Printer severely smudges glossy prints

[Larryf48]

Printer severely smudges glossy prints

[Nal_NR]

Hi @Larryf48,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

I'd be happy to help you! 

I understand that you are having issues with the print quality.

If your HP Smart Tank 7301 All-in-One printer is severely smudging glossy prints, it could be due to several factors such as the type of paper, ink settings, or print quality settings. Here's a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Check Paper Type and Quality:

• Ensure you are using high-quality, compatible glossy photo paper designed for inkjet printers.
• Verify that the paper is not damaged or curled.

Adjust Paper Settings:

• On your printer's control panel or in the printer software on your computer, make sure you have selected the correct paper type (Glossy Photo Paper) and size.

Print Quality Settings:

• Set the print quality to the highest available option.
• In the printer software, go to Print Settings and select Best or Photo Quality.

Use Genuine HP Ink:

• Ensure you are using genuine HP ink cartridges. Non-HP inks can sometimes cause smudging and other print quality issues.

Allow Ink to Dry:

• After printing, allow the prints to dry completely before handling. Glossy paper can take longer to dry than regular paper.

Clean the Printhead:

• From the printer's control panel, navigate to Settings > Maintenance > Clean Printhead. Follow the on-screen instructions to clean the printhead.

Check and Clean Paper Path:

• Make sure there is no debris or excess ink inside the printer that could be causing smudges.
• Gently clean the rollers and the paper path with a lint-free cloth if needed.

Kindly check the next steps in the next post.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance

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

[Nal_NR]

Hi @Larryf48,

Please find the next steps below. 

Adjusting Print Settings in HP Smart App or Printer Software

Open the HP Smart App or Printer Software:

• Open the app or software on your computer or mobile device.
• Select your printer and go to the print settings.

Configure Paper and Print Quality:

• In the print dialog, select Paper Type as Glossy Photo Paper.
• Choose the highest Print Quality setting available.
• Ensure that Color Management settings are optimized for photo printing.

Dry Time and Ink Density:

• Some printers allow you to adjust the dry time and ink density settings. Increase the dry time and reduce the ink density if you are experiencing smudging.

Additional Tips

• Print a Test Page: Print a test page to see if the issue persists after making the above adjustments.
• Firmware Update: Ensure your printer firmware is up to date. Check HP's support website for any updates.
• Environmental Factors: Ensure that the printing environment is not too humid or dusty, as this can affect print quality.

You may also refer to this document for print quality issues. 

If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider contacting HP phone support for further assistance.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance

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