When your printer produces faded, smudged, or uneven prints, it’s often due to a few common issues that can be quickly resolved. This guide will help you identify potential causes—such as ribbon wrinkles, incorrect printhead pressure, or misfed labels—and walk you through simple steps to restore optimal print quality. Follow the troubleshooting steps below to ensure your printer consistently delivers clear, professional results.
Poor Print Quality (Faded, Smudged, or Uneven Printing)
Possible Causes:
Wrinkled Ribbon
Missing Cardboard Core
Labels wrapped around platen roller
Incorrect ribbon tension
Solutions:
Inspect your ribbon for wrinkles and proper tension
Your heat transfer ribbon should be taught and not wrinkly
If you find that you have a wrinkled ribbon, open the printhead:
Then straighten out the label by rolling the media ribbon
You may need to manually adjust the ribbon with your fingers.
Close the printhead until you hear a click/thunk sound
Please ensure that you have a Cardboard Core in your Return Spindle
If you don't have a core please see our Guide on replacing your ribbon here
Verify there are no labels, tape, or other objects stuck onto or wrapped around the platen roller.
Verify that the label media is properly fed through all components and guides through the printer. PLEASE SEE OUR LABEL INSTALL/REPLACEMENT GUIDE HERE
Incorrect Ribbon Tension
Adjusting Ribbon TensionFor the printer to operate correctly, the ribbon supply spindle and ribbon take-up spindle must use the same tension setting (normal or low tension). Use the normal tension setting seen here for most applications. If you are using narrow ribbon or experience certain ribbon issues, you may need to lower the ribbon tension.
NORMAL TENSION SETTING
To place the ribbon spindles in the normal position, firmly pull out each spindle end cap until it extends and clicks in place. Use this setting for most applications.
Normal Tension Setting (Spindle End Caps Pulled Out)
