Having issues highlighting after printing (ink smears)

[FatimaG]

I've been having issues highlighting school notes after printing for the black ink only. I've waited up to several days, and bought HP ColorLok inkjet printer paper. regardless of what I do the highlighter smears! Help please!!

[MKazi]

@FatimaG

Let me take a moment to thank you for posting on the HP Support Forums. 

I came across your post and would like to help. I read that you have an HP DeskJet 3755 All-in-One Printer and while printing in black only, the ink smears. I appreciate the steps you have performed and have certainly done a good job.

I would like to know the following information to assist you better:

• Have you tried changing the print settings to print in low-quality mode? Because the higher the print quality, the more ink is used for printing.
• Are you using genuine HP ink cartridges or refilled ones?
• Does the print copy fine?

Meanwhile, I recommend you to perform the steps as described below to clean the cartridges manually:

• Gather the following materials:

• A clean, lint-free cloth or a clean, dry cotton swab

• Distilled or bottled water. Do not use tap water because it might contain contaminants that can damage the printhead.

• Open the ink cartridge access door.

  The carriage moves to the center of the printer.

  Figure: Opening the ink cartridge access door

  

• Wait until the printer is idle and silent before you continue.

• Lightly press down on one of the ink cartridges to release it, and then pull the ink cartridge toward you out of its slot.

  Figure: Removing the ink cartridge

  

NOTE: Do not remove both ink cartridges at the same time. Remove and then clean each ink cartridge one at a time. Do not leave an ink cartridge outside the printer for more than 30 minutes.

• Hold the ink cartridge by its sides.

  Figure : Holding the ink cartridge by its sides

  

• Lightly dampen a clean, lint-free cloth or swab with bottled or distilled water.

• Clean the face and edges around the ink nozzle with the cloth or swab.

NOTE: Do not clean the ink nozzle plate.

Figure : Cleaning the area around the ink nozzle.

1. Nozzle plate - Do not clean

2. Area surrounding ink nozzle - Do clean

3. Ink cartridge contacts - Do not clean

• Wait 10 minutes for the cleaned area to dry before you continue.

• Hold the ink cartridge by its sides with the contacts toward the printer, insert the ink cartridge into its slot, and then gently push the ink cartridge until it snaps into place.

If the issue persists then I suggest to replace the problem cartridge and check if it improves the print quality. Please let me know how it goes. I'm always here to assist you. All the best! 🙂

[FatimaG]

Hi there,

I have tried using various printing properties (low to best quality, changing paper type in the print settings). 

I use genuine ink, it has happened from all three ink sources I have used so far (ex. starter ink, ink from a store, and HP instant ink). 

The copier is fine.

When I contacted HP they eventually sent me a new printer, and the new printer still had the same problem.. 

I have already tried cleaning the cartirdges and trying new cartridges. 

Thanks,

Fatima G.

[Drakster]

Hello @FatimaG,

Welcome to the HP Support Forums!

I understand that you're trying to use a highlighter with HP ColorLok paper. I will certainly do my best to help you and please remember to return to this thread and mark 'Accept as Solution', if I have successfully helped you resolve the issue. If you wish to say 'thanks' for my effort to help, click the 'thumbs up' to give me a Kudos.

I have run into this scenario before. I recommend that you use water based highlighters that are decent to high quality. I recommend that you review 'Highlighter Pens: A Comprehensive Guide' to select the best highlighter for your needs.  

I hope this information is helpful. : )