Photo paper color comming off after print

[Naqee]

I have hp 515 smart tank printer. When i print photo with this printer color is comming out off paper after print . I tried changing photo paper type to glossy / photo paper and all other solutions given here but still ink is comming out from paper. Im using original ink from hp that came with printer. It is frustrating im considering changing my printer back to canon . I even used dryer to dry photo but still ink is comming out 

[Max3Aj]

Hi @Naqee, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 
It sounds like the ink isn't adhering properly to the photo paper, which is usually caused by incompatibility between the ink and the paper type, improper drying time, or incorrect printer settings. Since you're using original HP ink, let's go through some troubleshooting steps:

Check Photo Paper Compatibility

Use HP-recommended photo paper: Some glossy/photo papers may not be fully compatible with HP Smart Tank printers. Try HP Advanced Photo Paper or HP Premium Plus Photo Paper.

Paper Coating Issue: If the paper isn't absorbing the ink properly, try a different brand of glossy/photo paper.

Avoid overly glossy papers: Some third-party papers have coatings that repel ink instead of absorbing it.

Change Print Settings

Paper Type: Ensure you select the correct paper type in the print settings.

Open Printer Properties → Select Glossy Photo Paper

Print Quality: Try reducing the print quality to Normal instead of Best to allow better ink absorption.

Ink Saturation: Some print drivers allow adjusting ink usage. Try reducing ink saturation if possible.

Allow Proper Drying Time

Do not touch the print immediately: Let the photo dry for at least 24 hours.

Dry in a ventilated area: Place the print in an open space with good airflow.

Do not stack prints: Keep prints separate to avoid smudging.

Use Different Paper Feed Tray

If your printer has multiple trays, try printing from the rear paper feed slot if available. This helps with better handling of thick glossy papers.

Clean Printhead

From HP Smart App or Printer Settings → Run a Printhead Cleaning Cycle to ensure the ink is being applied correctly.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[Naqee]

Thankyou for your response.

I was able to solve the issue in the following ways:

1. I checked all that you mentioned in your reply , and most of the things were already done like : I was using the original ink, cleaning of print head , changing the paper type etc. finally i tried with best quality photopapers and still the issue was jot resolved and photo print quality was not good also.

2. I reinstalled the software and during reinstallation process i unchecked hp smart app option and installed the full software.

After installation and printing from the default software from windows i used the default photo printing option in the dialogue box , photo type hp photopaper , and quality best or normal doesnt matter even checked max dpp option also plus hp live tech. . This solved my issue and print quality. 

So the problem is with hp smart app that is what i concluded. 

[Max3Aj · Accepted solution]

@Naqee, Thank you for your response. 

That’s great! It seems like HP Smart App was interfering with proper photo printing, likely due to different print processing or driver settings. By installing the full feature driver and printing directly from Windows' default photo printing options, you achieved much better results.

If my response helped resolve your issue, kindly click “Accepted Solution” — it will help others find their way to the solution as well. And if you’d like to show appreciation, clicking the “Kudos/Thumbs Up” at the bottom right will let me know!

Take care and have an amazing day ahead!

Warm regards,

Max3Aj

HP Support