Milky or runny print on pages printed
Overview
The printed image exhibits a milky or running appearance (see red arrow on Image 1). Another defect: the paper creases in the middle; this print quality defect is also known as "treeing" (see red arrow on Image 2).
Print Defect Sample
| Image 1 | Image 2 |
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| Click Image to Enlarge | Click Image to Enlarge |
This article will help you confirm the problem. Please refer to the directions in the table below to help determine which hardware part is causing the issue.
Troubleshooting
| Steps | Actions |
| 1 | Check to see whether the printer supports the paper being used and that it meets all recommendations listed in the User’s Guide. Is the paper you are printing on supported in this printer? Yes: Continue to Step 2.No: Change the paper to a type/weight that the printer supports. |
| 2 | Make sure the Paper Type Setting on the printer and in the driver/software matches the type of paper loaded in the tray. |
| 3 | Open a fresh ream of paper, insert it into the paper tray, and try printing again. Did the defect return? Yes: Continue to Step 4.No: Paper that had absorbed too much moisture from the environment has likely caused this issue. The problem should be resolved. |
| 4 | Make sure that the printer is not directly in the airflow of an air-handling unit. Is the printer in the airflow of an air-handling unit? Yes: Move the printer to another location and attempt to print a test page.No: Continue to Step 5. |
| 5 | This error is generally seen when the printer is in an high humidity environment, which will cause the paper to warp slightly in the tray. Fix this by frequently flipping the media in the tray or printing on a slightly heavier paper stock (such as 20# bond instead of the standard 16#). Try switching the paper in the tray as described above. Did the error return? Yes: Continue to Step 6.No: The error is resolved. |
| 6 | If the above information did not help to resolve the print quality issue, even with the new ream of supported media, please contact Lexmark Technical Support or a local authorized service provider to arrange a service call. |
Contacting Lexmark
Please contact Lexmark Technical Support if you need additional assistance.
NOTE: When calling for support, you will be asked for your machine/model type and serial number (SN). If you need help locating your printer's model type and serial number, How to Locate the Serial Number, TLI, Config ID, and Machine Type on a Lexmark CS310, CS410, CS510, CX310, CX410, and CX510.
Please call from near the printer in case the technician on the phone asks you to perform a task involving the printer.
LEGACY ID: SO7208