Laserjet pro 203dw shadow printing

Lorinajac · ‎09-26-2022

My laserjet pro 203dw (monochrome printer) prints cardstock from a pdf file with a shadow. I tried everything that was suggested on this forum - I did a hard reset, I cleaned the drum, took the toner out etc. it prints perfect on regular thin paper but as soon as I use a thicker paper like smooth cardstock or even glossy photo paper (I tried so many papers) - it prints with a shadow. So annoying

is this printer meant to use cardstock paper?
The only thing I can think of is that it’s not meant for thicker paper? OR because I’m not using a genuine HO cartridge?
Help

Repairatrooper · ‎09-26-2022

It could be a combination of issues. 3rd party toners are not the exact same formulation as HP toner and can cause bonding issues. You also need to ensure that you are setting the paper type for cardstock or heavy paper as this will force the printer to slow down and also use more heat to ensure proper bonding. You do not state the actual weight of paper. Some papers will work better than others and some media types are just not designed to work well with a laser printer. A common issue I run into is people trying to use inkjet paper which often has a coating on it that cause issues with dry toner of laser as it is designed to grab liquid ink particles and suspend them on the surface.

If you find the information provided useful or solves your problems, help other users find the solution easier by marking my post as an accepted solution. Clicking "yes" on "was this reply helpful" also increases the chances that this solution will help others.
I am a volunteer, offering my knowledge to support fellow users, I do not work for HP nor speak for HP.

Lorinajac · ‎09-26-2022

thank u so much for taking the time to respond - yes I tried setting it to different settings for cardstock - heavy paper, lightweight paper, etc and they all print with a shadow. If I print on regular paper (thin) it’s fine

Repairatrooper · ‎09-26-2022

Media handling specs are here https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-laserjet-pro-m203-printer-series/9365400/model/9365402/docum...

If your paper is outside the supported list that is the reason it will not print. But keep in mind the 3rd party toner might be an issue as well but the only way to tell for sure would be to try an OEM cartridge.

If you find the information provided useful or solves your problems, help other users find the solution easier by marking my post as an accepted solution. Clicking "yes" on "was this reply helpful" also increases the chances that this solution will help others.
I am a volunteer, offering my knowledge to support fellow users, I do not work for HP nor speak for HP.

Repairatrooper · ‎09-26-2022

One other thought, are you setting the different media type on the computer driver or on the printer directly. You will know if you have it set properly because the printer will run at half the normal speed or slower.

If you find the information provided useful or solves your problems, help other users find the solution easier by marking my post as an accepted solution. Clicking "yes" on "was this reply helpful" also increases the chances that this solution will help others.
I am a volunteer, offering my knowledge to support fellow users, I do not work for HP nor speak for HP.

Lorinajac · ‎09-26-2022

I am setting the printer settings on the pop up screen after I press print - I do the same if I do wifi mobile printing from my iPhone and I also tried it from my laptop where I used the analog feature to set the printer settings manually

the specs say that I can use cardstock - I guess I should buy a new HP toner authentic and try that? I remeber having the same issue with thicker paper

Create an account on the HP Community to personalize your profile and ask a question