5020 printer printing error

[TEPplayz]

I’ve been printing on the 5020 for a week or so now I have it set up for specialized glossy paper on the printer and on my phone and pc I put in transparency paper and it has been working fine then when I tried it today it kept smearing it like how if I set it up for normal paper but use transparent paper I have re aligned cartiages cleaned them done every test and it says it’s fine anyone know how to fix it?

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @TEPplayz,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

Thanks for reaching out about your HP ENVY 5020 All-in-One Printer. From what you've described, it sounds like you've been printing successfully on transparency film, but now you're experiencing smudging or ink smearing, which typically occurs when the printer isn't applying the correct ink drying profile, even though your settings haven't changed.
 

Here are some steps and things to check:
1. Confirm Media Type Is Still Set Correctly

Even though you’ve checked the settings:

• On your PC or phone, make sure the media type is still explicitly set to "HP Premium Presentation Paper, Glossy" or similar — this helps the printer adjust ink usage for non-porous materials.
• Also, double-check the settings directly on the printer control panel (Settings > Paper Setup).

2. Check the Transparency Paper Orientation

Make sure you're printing on the coated/printable side of the transparency. Many transparency sheets are only coated on one side to receive ink. Try this test:

• Moisten a fingertip and gently touch one corner of the film — the coated side will feel slightly tacky, while the other side is smooth and slippery.

3. Use Inkjet-Compatible Transparency Film

• Make sure you’re using transparency paper designed for inkjet printers, not laser transparencies — those will never absorb ink properly.
• If you've switched brands recently, it's possible the new batch doesn’t dry as quickly or lacks the coating that absorbs ink.

4. Try a Slower Print Setting

• In your print dialog, choose "Best" quality or “Slow drying” if available. This increases the drying time between passes.
• Also, if there’s an "Extended Dry Time" option, enable it.

5. Run a Print Test on Regular Glossy Paper

Try printing the same image on glossy photo paper:

• If it prints fine, the issue is likely the transparency film quality or orientation.
• If it still smears, the printer may not be managing ink output properly anymore.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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VikramTheGreat

HP Support