p.1 #1 · Epson P900 black smudges in 4 corners of 8x10 glossy
A little used over the past few years P900. Getting back into printing. Doing portrait 8x10 glossy prints and I am getting variable smudges in the four corners. It almost looks like powder in the pictures. Smudges are highly ratable in consistency, but in the same places.
I assume it is a roller that has some contamination on it? But why only in the corners?
p.1 #3 · Epson P900 black smudges in 4 corners of 8x10 glossy
anselwannab wrote:
A little used over the past few years P900. Getting back into printing. Doing portrait 8x10 glossy prints and I am getting variable smudges in the four corners. It almost looks like powder in the pictures. Smudges are highly ratable in consistency, but in the same places.
I assume it is a roller that has some contamination on it? But why only in the corners?
Thoughts on how to fix it?
Hi @anselwannab
One possible source. Printing ink on one side of the paper causes a differential expansion from the backside (causes curling towards the back side). This can lift the corners and have the paper in the corners rub on areas it should not and get contaminated.
The amount of curl is related to both the paper used and the amount and type of ink used on the paper. The amount of ink is most often controlled by not just quality levels yet the paper type set in the printer driver.
Are you using genuine Epson inks and papers? One test would be using the OEM inks and paper, and make sure the paper type I and see if the issue continues.
A second source of curling is if the paper has been stored in too low or too high humidity conditions, also causing differential expansion from front to backs set properly in the printer driver,
More specific suggestions could be given if you share the ink and paper you are specifically using and the paper type settings you are using in the printer driver.
p.1 #6 · Epson P900 black smudges in 4 corners of 8x10 glossy
It could just be head strikes as a consequence of not enough platen gap / head gap in the printer driver. The head hits the slightly curled paper and leaves a smear of ink on the paper. It could be black ink or a mix of all colours.
Is the new paper thicker than you have used in the past?
I would not suspect a roller issue because the rollers are always contacting the paper. Head strikes are where the head sweeps across the page at speed and initially hits a raised part of the paper. Most likely the corners. Less likely the edges. Much less likely the middle of a sheet.
p.1 #7 · Epson P900 black smudges in 4 corners of 8x10 glossy
anselwannab wrote:
A little used over the past few years P900. Getting back into printing. Doing portrait 8x10 glossy prints and I am getting variable smudges in the four corners. It almost looks like powder in the pictures. Smudges are highly ratable in consistency, but in the same places.
I assume it is a roller that has some contamination on it? But why only in the corners?
Thoughts on how to fix it?
I know it is late for that, but generally these printers need frequent usage to stay in good working condition. Print something on a weekly or at least bi-monthly basis.
Corner smudges can be a result of paper not being completely straight in some cases. Are the edges of your paper in perfect condition? (Shipping damage can happen.)
Smudges on the roller or somewhere in the printing tract may also cause this. Search for youtube for some videos on how to clean this specific printer. Other than that, Epson authorize service may be able to help.
Best of luck with the printer and getting it back into working order.
p.1 #8 · Epson P900 black smudges in 4 corners of 8x10 glossy
I didn’t use it nearly as much as I should, and definitely not at the volume I should, but I was paranoid about the nozzles getting clogged in my dry envirmment. I’d run the nozzle check and clean them if they had issues- which were surprisingly rare.
I do think that it is a head strike. Should the printer ‘click’? It also happens the longer the printer runs. The first few 8x10s are fine, Then it starts to show up. Leave the printer overnight, and it does a few 8x10s before an issue.
This is brand new paper and seems kind of flat. Any tricks on optimizing the paper flow? Run it flat through the back?
p.1 #9 · Epson P900 black smudges in 4 corners of 8x10 glossy
I've never had a head strike with epson premium glossy (I use this for proofing). The paper is RC (resin coated) and lies perfectly flat. Usually it's some cotton paper that has a bit of curl -- in which case flattening it or bending the offending corner down has usually helped. Also supporting the paper as it comes out has helped (so it doesn't dip away and have the back bent up).
Are you printing borderless? That might be causing extra ink spray inside the printer which is then getting all over the place.
I'm a bit puzzled that you are having all four corners get smudges. For me, it's always been the back ones.
p.1 #10 · Epson P900 black smudges in 4 corners of 8x10 glossy
Not sure about the P900 but with the larger format Epson's you can adjust the head gap somewhere on the driver. The head height is set by the Paper Type selected but on larger format printers it can be set manually. As I recall glossy paper is the closest head gap, matt or canvas the widest.
This does not explain your problem but if it can be adjusted (or if you try a different paper type) it may change.
