My HP printer is printing faint and also has blotchy ink on the paper.

[MariaSH]

My laserjet printer is now printing splotches of magenta color all over the paper and the color print is faded, even with 30% ink available. I have cleaned the heads multiple times and it does not change.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @MariaSH,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

It sounds like you're experiencing issues with both an HP inkjet printer and a laserjet printer. Let's address each problem separately.

Inkjet Printer (HP)

Symptoms:

• Printing faint
• Blotchy ink on the paper

Possible Causes and Solutions:

Low or Dried Ink:

• Solution: Check the ink levels and replace any low or empty cartridges. Even if the cartridges are not empty, ink can dry out over time, causing printing issues. Try using a new set of cartridges.

Clogged Print Heads:

• Solution: Since you've already cleaned the print heads, try performing a deeper cleaning cycle. Most printers have an option for a more thorough cleaning in the printer settings. If this doesn't help, manually cleaning the print heads with a lint-free cloth and distilled water might help.

Paper Quality:

• Solution: Ensure you're using the correct type of paper for your printer. Poor quality or incompatible paper can cause ink to spread and blotch.

Printer Settings:

• Solution: Check your printer settings to ensure they are optimized for the best print quality. Adjusting the print quality to a higher setting might help reduce faintness and blotchiness.

Firmware Update:

• Solution: Ensure your printer's firmware is up to date. HP often release updates that can improve performance and fix issues.

Align Print Heads:

• Solution: Perform a print head alignment from the printer settings menu. Misaligned print heads can cause print quality issues.

Laserjet Printer (HP)

Symptoms:

• Splotches of magenta color on the paper
• Faded color prints

Possible Causes and Solutions:

Low or Defective Toner Cartridge:

• Solution: Even if the toner shows 30% remaining, it might be defective or unevenly distributed. Try replacing the magenta toner cartridge.

Toner Spillage:

• Solution: Toner can sometimes leak inside the printer, causing splotches. Carefully remove the toner cartridge and inspect the inside of the printer for any spilled toner. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to clean any toner residue.

Drum Unit Issues:

• Solution: The drum unit might be contaminated or reaching the end of its life. Check the drum unit for any visible damage or toner buildup and clean it if necessary. If cleaning doesn't help, consider replacing the drum unit.

Fuser Unit Problems:

• Solution: The fuser unit might be causing the splotches. Inspect the fuser for any signs of wear or damage. If the fuser is defective, it may need to be replaced.

Calibration and Cleaning:

• Solution: Perform a calibration and cleaning cycle from the printer's maintenance menu. This can help realign the colors and clean the internal components.

Firmware Update:

• Solution: Just like with the inkjet printer, make sure the laserjet printer's firmware is up to date.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support