How do I resolve blurry prints?

Applies To

  • Operating Systems: Windows 10, Windows 11, macOS
  • Hardware: Epson EcoTank and Expression Series Printers (e.g., ET-4950, ET-4850, L6390, XP-2200, and similar models)
  • Software: Epson Printer Driver
  • Related Articles:
    • KA-01531 (When to Clean Your Print Head)
    • KA-02050 (step-by-step Nozzle Check & Head Cleaning, including Windows 11 / Windows 10 / macOS menu paths)
    • KA-01086 (Print Head Alignment utility)

Description

This article provides guidance on how to deal with blurry, misaligned, or smudged prints. If your issue is specifically missing or incorrect colours rather than blurriness, see KA-02050 instead.

Symptoms

  • Prints appear blurry
  • Prints smudge easily
  • Lines or streaks appear on the printout
  • Poor photo quality

The images below offer a reference point for a normal print versus a blurry print.

Good sample print: sharp text and clean edges with no smearing
Good sample print — sharp, clean edges, no smearing.
Blurry, misaligned print: text and lines appear doubled or offset
Blurry, misaligned print — text/lines appear doubled or offset. See KA-01086 (Print Head Alignment).
Blurry, smeared print: ink appears smudged or spread beyond the intended area
Blurry, smeared print — ink smudged or spread beyond the intended print area.

Solution

The following steps can help remedy this issue.

1. Use Paper Within Specification & Recommended by Epson

  • Ensure the paper is within specification — the correct weight, and, for specialist media, on the list of officially supported paper. Full specifications can be found on the dedicated product support page or user manual.
  • Old, curled paper can also create issues — load fresh, clean paper where necessary.

2. Use Genuine Epson Inks

  • Ink formulation can affect drying time and cause smudging or blurred images if it is not dry while moving through the feed path. Genuine ink is designed to work exactly as intended — third-party ink could be contributing to the issue.
  • Ensure cartridges are not outside their best-before date. Best results are achieved when inks are used within 6 months of being inserted into the printer. Replace with new inks if necessary.

3. Use the Correct Paper Settings

  • Check the paper settings in the printer driver and/or on the printer control panel are correct. Selecting the wrong paper type in the driver versus what's loaded in the printer can cause print quality issues.
  • If the product has a paper thickness lever, ensure it is set to the correct position.

4. Check for Blocked Nozzles

Print a Nozzle Check and, if necessary, perform Head Cleaning. See KA-01531: When to Clean Your Print Head for how to interpret the results, and KA-02050 for the exact Windows 11 / Windows 10 / macOS steps.

5. Perform a Head Alignment

The Head Alignment utility is accessed via the printer driver on Windows or macOS. For the exact steps, see KA-01086: How Do I Use the Print Head Alignment Utility?