Achieving Better Print Quality; Improving Print Quality; Aligning The Print Cartridges; Cleaning The Print Cartridge Nozzles - Lexmark 1400 Series User Manual

Achieving better print quality

Improving print quality

If you are not satisfied with the print quality of a document, make sure you:
•
Use the appropriate paper for the document. Use Lexmark photo paper if you are printing photos or other high-
quality images.
Note: To prevent smudging or scratching, avoid touching the printed surface with your fingers or sharp objects.
For best results, remove each printed sheet individually from the paper exit tray, and allow the prints to dry at
least 24 hours before stacking, displaying, or storing.
•
Use a paper that is a heavier weight, bright white, or coated.
•
Select a higher print quality.
If the document still does not have the print quality you want, follow these steps:
1
Align the print cartridges. For more information, see "Aligning the print cartridges" on page 34.
If print quality has not improved, continue to step 2.
2
Clean the print cartridge nozzles. For more information, see "Cleaning the print cartridge nozzles" on
page 34.
If print quality has not improved, continue to step 3.
3
Remove and reinsert the print cartridges. For more information, see "Removing a used print cartridge" on
page 32 and "Installing print cartridges" on page 33.
If print quality has not improved, continue to step 4.
4
Wipe the print nozzles and contacts. For more information, see "Wiping the print cartridge nozzles and contacts"
on page 35.
If print quality is still not satisfactory, replace the print cartridges. For more information, see "Ordering supplies"
on page 36.

Aligning the print cartridges

The computer automatically prompts you to align the print cartridges:
•
After you install the printer software.
•
When you send your first print job to the printer after installing a new cartridge.
You may also align the print cartridges manually.
1
Load plain paper.
2
Open the Solution Center.
3
From the Maintenance tab, click Align to fix blurry edges.
4
Click Print.
If you aligned the cartridges to improve print quality, print your document again. If print quality has not improved,
clean the print cartridge nozzles.

Cleaning the print cartridge nozzles

1
Load plain paper.
2
Open the Solution Center. See "Using the Solution Center" on page 16.
34