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- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- How do I get rid of shadowing in my colour prints?

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03-30-2025 09:26 AM
@cawdor, Welcome to the HP Support Community!
Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw!
We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.
If you're experiencing shadowing or ghost images on your color prints, several factors could be at play, including issues with the fuser. However, here are a few steps to diagnose the problem:
Check Paper Quality and Type:
- Ensure that you're using the recommended paper type and weight for your printer.
- Improper paper can sometimes cause print quality issues.
Fuser Maintenance:
- Shadowing can often be a symptom of a fuser problem, where the toner is not properly fused to the paper.
- Inspect the fuser for visible wear or damage.
- Consider either cleaning the fuser rollers or replacing the fuser unit if it appears to be worn out.
Print Settings and Calibration:
- Make sure your printer settings are correctly configured for the type of document you're printing.
- Perform a calibration from the printer’s control panel or using the HP software to adjust color settings.
Perform Printer Maintenance Tasks:
- Print a diagnostics page to check for shadowing.
- Run cleaning cycles to remove any residual toner buildup that might be causing this issue.
Check Toner Cartridges:
- Ensure that the toner cartridges are properly installed and that they are not low on toner.
- Replace any toner cartridges that are near the end of their life.
If these steps don't resolve the issue, it might be time to consider replacing the fuser unit. Remember that it’s important to use genuine HP parts for replacements to ensure the best compatibility and performance.
Take care, and have an amazing day!
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Regards,
ZOEY7886
I am an HP Employee