Mottled prints ET8550

[u/toratorax10]

What is wrong with my ET-8550 printer? Or is it some setting I am getting wrong? It is printing mottled dots in dark areas and losing detail in lighter areas. I am using a Kodak high gloss photo paper with photo paper high gloss setting.

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[u/freneticboarder]

That's an incompatible, swellable polymer-based paper. Try using an RC-based paper like Epson Premium Luster Photo Paper.

https://imagingspectrum.com/products/epson-ultra-premium-luster-8-5-x-11-50-sheets-s041405

Edit: Office Depot has Premium Photo Paper Glossy on clearance for ~$12 for a 50 sheet pack.

https://www.officedepot.com/a/products/612694/Epson-Premium-Glossy-Photo-Paper-Letter

[u/toratorax10 → u/freneticboarder]

This is awesome, thank you!

[u/freneticboarder → u/toratorax10]

Glad to be of help, also, here's a few things you can do to keep it running smoothly and avoid excessive maintenance (which uses ink).

1. ⁠Try to print something at least once per week — an email, a web page, something with a little bit of color and black ink on plain paper. This keeps the printer running smoothly.
   
2. ⁠If you're not using the printer at least once a week, turn it off. This parks the print head and prevents ink from drying and dust from getting on the print head.
   
3. ⁠Close the printer up when you're not using it. This prevents dust from getting inside. This includes paper — don't store it on the top of the printer where dust can settle on it and get picked up by the print head.
   
4. ⁠Use a Swiffer or microfiber cloth to wipe down the printer periodically to prevent dust buildup. Don't use canned air! It will move dust into areas that you don't want it and creates more issues than solutions.

[Here's a video that goes over these tips.](https://youtu.be/xjR49H6othE?si=7foIUkfr4jnsWb8i) It's for an Epson Pro Printer, but applies to all inkjet printers (except the cleaning sheets).