If your copier or printer is producing streaks, faded pages, spots, smudges, lines, or uneven color, the issue may be related to toner, paper, settings, or a part that needs service.
Some print quality problems can be corrected with a few quick checks. Others may require service from MCC.
Common Print Quality Problems
Print quality issues may include:
- Faded print
- Light or uneven pages
- Streaks or lines
- Spots or repeating marks
- Smudges
- Blurry text
- Gray background
- Missing colors
- Incorrect colors
- Toner rubbing off the page
- Random marks on copies or prints
Before requesting service, try the steps below.
Step 1: Check Whether the Issue Happens When Printing, Copying, or Both
This is one of the most helpful things to check.
Try making a copy directly from the copier glass.
If the copy looks good but printed documents look bad, the issue may be related to the print driver, file, computer, or print settings.
If both copies and prints look bad, the issue may be with the copier, toner, drum, paper path, glass, or another machine component.
If the documents only look bad when copying from either the glass OR the document feeder, the problem is most likely the glass for the that specific section. See Step 6 below.
Step 2: Check the Paper
Paper can cause more print quality problems than people expect.
Make sure the paper is:
- Dry
- Flat
- Not curled
- Not damp
- Not wrinkled
- Not too thick for the selected tray
- Loaded correctly
- Approved for your copier or printer
If the issue started after loading a new ream or new paper type, try using a fresh ream from a different package.
Step 3: Confirm the Paper Type Settings
If you are printing on cardstock, labels, envelopes, letterhead, glossy paper, or specialty media, the copier settings must match the paper type.
Incorrect paper settings can cause:
- Smudging
- Toner not bonding to the page
- Curling
- Jams
- Faded areas
- Uneven print
Check the print settings on your computer and the paper settings on the copier tray. Make sure the selected paper size and type match what is actually loaded.
Step 4: Check Toner Levels
Low toner can cause faded print, missing areas, or uneven coverage.
Check the copier screen for toner messages. If the machine says toner is empty or needs replacement, replace the toner with the correct cartridge for that device.
Do not replace toner unless the machine requests it or print quality clearly indicates it is needed. If toner is replaced too early or incorrectly, it can create more problems. Make sure to only replace toner with factory certified toner from MCC. Low quality off-brand toner can cause more problems and end up costing you more in the long run.
Step 5: Make Sure Toner Was Installed Correctly
If the print quality issue started right after toner was replaced, the cartridge may not be seated correctly.
Check that:
- The correct toner was installed
- The toner cartridge is fully seated
- Any seals, caps, or protective strips were removed
- The cartridge is installed in the correct color position
- The front cover is closed completely
If the cartridge does not slide in easily, do not force it. Confirm that it is the correct supply item for that machine.
Step 6: Clean the Copier Glass
If copies or scans have lines, streaks, or spots, the copier glass may be dirty.
Clean:
- Main copier glass
- Small slit glass used by the document feeder
- White backing under the document feeder cover
Use a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid spraying cleaner directly onto the copier glass. Spray the cloth instead, then wipe the surface.
A tiny mark on the slit glass can create a dramatic black line down every page scanned through the feeder.
Step 7: Check Whether the Issue Happens from the Document Feeder Only
If copies from the glass look clean but copies from the document feeder have lines, the issue is likely on the feeder glass or document feeder path.
Try this test:
- Place a clean sheet on the main copier glass.
- Make a copy.
- Then place the same sheet through the document feeder.
- Make another copy.
- Compare the results.
If only the document feeder copy has a line, clean the narrow glass strip and feeder area. If the issue occurs only on the copy made on the main glass, clean that and the white foam background on the lid. If the line happens on both copies, the issue is internal and will most likely require a service call.
Step 8: Check for Repeating Marks
Repeating spots, lines, or marks may indicate an issue with an internal roller, drum, fuser, or other component.
If the same mark repeats down the page at regular intervals, service may be needed.
When requesting service, include a sample page or photo showing the repeating pattern. This can help MCC identify the likely cause faster.
Step 9: Check Color Settings
If color output looks wrong, check whether the job was sent with the correct print settings.
Look for settings such as:
- Black and white vs color
- Grayscale
- Draft mode
- Toner save mode
- Color correction
- Paper type
- Print quality
- Application-specific color settings
If only one file prints incorrectly, the issue may be with the file or application settings rather than the copier.
Step 10: Try a Different File or Application
If the print quality issue happens with one document, try printing a different file.
For example, print:
- A simple Word document
- A PDF
- A test page
- A copier configuration page
If only one file prints badly, the problem may be related to that document, image quality, file format, or print settings.
If every file prints badly, the issue is more likely related to the device, driver, supplies, or paper.
Step 11: Restart the Copier
For temporary print issues, restarting the copier may help.
To restart:
- Turn the copier off using the power button.
- Wait at least 30 seconds.
- Turn it back on.
- Wait for the machine to fully restart.
- Try printing or copying again.
Avoid unplugging the machine unless instructed by MCC or your IT team.
When to Request Service
Request service from MCC if:
- Streaks, lines, or spots continue after cleaning the glass
- Print is faded even after checking toner
- Toner smears or rubs off the page
- Marks repeat down the page
- Colors are missing or severely incorrect
- Copies and prints both show the same defect
- The copier shows an error message
- The problem started after a jam, move, or supply replacement
- You see toner spilled inside the machine
- You are not sure what is causing the issue
The easiest way to request service is by scanning the MCC Express Passport on the copier and choosing Request Service. The form will automatically include your account and equipment details.
What to Include in Your Service Request
When requesting service for print quality problems, include:
- Business name
- Contact name
- Phone number
- Copier model
- Serial number
- Equipment location
- Description of the print quality issue
- Whether the issue happens when printing, copying, or both
- Whether the issue happens in color, black and white, or both
- Whether the problem appears on every page or only sometimes
- What paper type and tray you are using
- Whether toner or supplies were recently replaced
- Photos or scanned examples of the problem
If possible, save a sample page for the technician. A printed example is often the fastest way to show exactly what is happening.