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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- Ink Smearing - Glossy Labels

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01-06-2025 05:02 AM
Hi - I am printing on glossy avery labels but my black ink smears. I have it on the photo paper, I’ve tried just the colour ink and glossy brochure - but it never dries. Does anyone have any advice?
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01-06-2025 10:10 AM - edited 01-06-2025 10:18 AM
Welcome to the HP English Community --
Product / Printer Model: ?
Operating System: ?
Software / Application: ?
Connection Type: ?
Content / File Type: ?
Job type: Print glossy labels
Much depends on the printer model and the type of paper it supports.
In general, if a "glossy" label paper sheet does not dry,
The paper is perhaps essentially not compatible with the printer regardless of claims to the contrary.
The Quality might be set too high -- back off to no more than "Normal" quality. Where / How you set the print quality depends on the application / software you are using (and / or have available to adjust settings).
Sample - Adobe Reader - (Windows) - PDF Print - Label sheet
Check Properties > Paper / Quality > Quality Settings = Normal
Avery_L7160_Sample_Label_2
The Tray and Paper type might be set incorrectly (EWS), though from your description, you have considered that possibility.
What else?
The paper is perhaps meant for a different printer type -- For example, paper meant for a Laser Print is not compatible with an InkJet Printer.
Paper that claims it is compatible with both Laser and InkJet might work or might not.
=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=
References / Resources
HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources
Learn about your Printer - Solve Problems
“Things that are your printer”
When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic
NOTE: Content depends on device type and Operating System
Categories: Warranty Check, Alerts, Troubleshooting, Ink & Paper, HP Software & Drivers / Firmware Updates, Setup & User Guides, Product Specifications, Account & Registration, Warranty & Repair
Open
Enter the device type and model name of your HP product
OR
Select a saved product from HP Account Dashboard
Thank you for participating in the HP Community --
Real people who own, use, and support HP devices.
Click Yes to say Thank You for the help !
Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"
01-06-2025 10:10 AM - edited 01-06-2025 10:18 AM
Welcome to the HP English Community --
Product / Printer Model: ?
Operating System: ?
Software / Application: ?
Connection Type: ?
Content / File Type: ?
Job type: Print glossy labels
Much depends on the printer model and the type of paper it supports.
In general, if a "glossy" label paper sheet does not dry,
The paper is perhaps essentially not compatible with the printer regardless of claims to the contrary.
The Quality might be set too high -- back off to no more than "Normal" quality. Where / How you set the print quality depends on the application / software you are using (and / or have available to adjust settings).
Sample - Adobe Reader - (Windows) - PDF Print - Label sheet
Check Properties > Paper / Quality > Quality Settings = Normal
Avery_L7160_Sample_Label_2
The Tray and Paper type might be set incorrectly (EWS), though from your description, you have considered that possibility.
What else?
The paper is perhaps meant for a different printer type -- For example, paper meant for a Laser Print is not compatible with an InkJet Printer.
Paper that claims it is compatible with both Laser and InkJet might work or might not.
=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=
References / Resources
HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources
Learn about your Printer - Solve Problems
“Things that are your printer”
When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic
NOTE: Content depends on device type and Operating System
Categories: Warranty Check, Alerts, Troubleshooting, Ink & Paper, HP Software & Drivers / Firmware Updates, Setup & User Guides, Product Specifications, Account & Registration, Warranty & Repair
Open
Enter the device type and model name of your HP product
OR
Select a saved product from HP Account Dashboard
Thank you for participating in the HP Community --
Real people who own, use, and support HP devices.
Click Yes to say Thank You for the help !
Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"
01-06-2025 11:01 AM
Ah - makes sense.
Thanks for getting back to us --
The new inkjet paper will likely do fine -- let us know if you need help.
"Back in the olden days"...
When I was a child, paper was paper.
"Labels" were hand written or typed on paper, cut out, and taped or glued to the envelope or box.
Copies were made on "mimeograph" paper using a hand-crank copier
Odd blueish copies with a strong ink smell.
Yes, that was an actual thing a very long time ago.
Printers have come a ways since then.
Smiling.
Thank you for participating in the HP Community --
Real people who own, use, and support HP devices.
Click Yes to say Thank You for the help !
Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"