Online Labels Forum

I understand how frustrating this must be. Especially when you're printing large volumes of labels and still seeing constant smearing despite trying different settings.

Since you’ve already adjusted DPI, tested all available paper types in HP Smart, and used draft mode without improvement, I recommend a few additional steps, including guidance directly from HP.

• First, check your ink levels to ensure there is sufficient ink, as low levels can negatively impact print quality and lead to smearing.
• Make sure you are using label materials that are supported by your printer, as HP recommends using papers designed for the specific type of project, and incompatible materials can prevent proper ink absorption or toner adhesion.
• Verify that the labels are loaded correctly in the tray, since misalignment can cause streaking or smudging during printing.
• Running a printhead cleaning from the HP's maintenance menu to remove any buildup that could be contributing to the issue.
• It’s also important to perform a printhead alignment by printing an alignment page and following the prompts to scan it, which helps ensure the printheads are properly calibrated. Additionally, check that your printer software and firmware are fully up to date, as updates can improve performance and resolve known issues.

If the issue continues after trying these steps, it may indicate a compatibility limitation between your printer and label stock or a potential hardware concern.

Please submit a support ticket with your printer’s make and model here. We’ll be happy to take a closer look and help find a solution that works for your setup.