My print quality is poor and the colours are missing or very faint

First of all it is worth checking that you have installed the ink cartridges in the correct slots — obvious as it sounds it's a fairly common mistake. From time to time users accidentally switch the cartridges while installing them. If this is the case, then re-install the cartridges in the colour coded slots and you should receive good quality prints. It is also worth checking this as some printer slots have colour coding for cartridges and some remanufactured cartridges may have different colour tops.

It's also possible that, in the course of delivery, the ink cartridge may have been laying on its side causing the colours to run into each other, or for the print head to dry out. This can happen with both original and compatible or remanufactured inks. It's best to allow the newly installed ink cartridge to rest for an hour following installation in the printer. You can then run the head cleaning option and print an alignment page if required (some printers offer alignment pages but all printers will have a head cleaning option accessible in the maintenance section of the software, refer to printer manual if you cannot find it). Also, set the printer to print in "BEST" mode using all the colours. This should fix the problem.

In the unlikely event that your ink cartridge will not fit in your printer, it's possible that a removable clip or the seal is still in place. A remanufactured inkjet cartridge is in fact an original empty cartridge made by the printer manufacturer to so the only way it won’t fit is if the cartridge clip/blue tape has not been removed. The compatible ink cartridge is a 'clone' of the original brand cartridge and may vary very slightly in size or shape but will still fit into the cartridge slot of the printer. Of course it could also be that the wrong cartridge has been ordered or the wrong cartridge has been sent to you. If you are sure the label on the cartridge matches up with the model your printer takes refer to your printer manual to find out how install the cartridges correctly. The same principal applies to the laser toner cartridges used in laser printers. Always check that plastic clips or seals have been removed. In the even rarer event that the cartridge has been leaking ink or toner, do not attempt to put the cartridge in the printer, contact your supplier immediately for a replacement.

First Published at printerinkcartridges.ie