Smudges

[Dalewoo]

Why does the ink smudge when printing on photo paper?

[VikramTheGreat · Accepted solution]

Hi @Dalewoo,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

If your HP printer is smudging ink when printing on photo paper, it’s usually due to one or more of the following issues:

1. Incorrect Paper Type Setting

• If the printer is set to print on plain paper, it may use too much ink for glossy photo paper.
• ✅ Fix: In your print settings, select the correct paper type (e.g., HP Glossy Photo Paper or Photo Paper).

2. Non-Compatible or Low-Quality Photo Paper

• Some photo papers aren’t designed for inkjet printers, or dry too slowly.
• ✅ Fix: Use HP-branded photo paper or ensure the paper is labelled as inkjet-compatible.

3. Printing on the Wrong Side of the Paper

• Photo paper often has a printable side and a non-printable (back) side.
• ✅ Fix: Make sure you’re printing on the glossy or matte coated side, not the back.

4. High Humidity or Damp Paper

• Moisture in the paper can prevent ink from drying properly.
• ✅ Fix: Store photo paper in a cool, dry place and only load it when ready to print.

5. Print Quality Settings Too High

• “Best” quality settings can oversaturate the paper with ink.
• ✅ Fix: Try printing at “Normal” quality instead of “Best.”

6. Dirty or Misaligned Printheads

• Ink may not be applied evenly if the printhead is dirty or misaligned.
• ✅ Fix: Run a printhead cleaning and alignment from the printer’s maintenance menu or HP Smart app.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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

VikramTheGreat

HP Support

[Dalewoo]

Thank you vikram the great. I have tried everything you have suggested but still have streaks so now think it could be the paper I'm using so going to try hp paper as you suggested. Thank you very much for all your help.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Dalewoo,

You're very welcome! I'm glad you're giving the HP paper a try — sometimes streaking issues do come down to the type or quality of paper, especially with inkjet printers. HP paper is usually well-coated and designed to work optimally with most printers, so it could make a noticeable difference.
 

If the streaks persist even with better paper, it might be worth doing a deep clean or checking the print head alignment one more time. But fingers crossed the new paper solves it!
 

Let me know how it goes — happy printing! 😊

Take care and have a good day.

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

VikramTheGreat

HP Support