PCTech Forums

although the printout from the test pattern on my printer is fine i still get coloured horizontal bands across my prints, i have cleaned the print heads using the maintainance option in the software, but i have to do it before any printing, any suggestions, would it be a good idea to literally clean the print heads with a solvent or somthing.

Hello efiste2,
I recommend you obtain the printer cleaning steps from your printer manufacturer.
Are you refilling your ink cartridges?


*edit
If a jet (nozzle) in your cartridge is “burned out”, you will see horizontal bands or white streaks in your print. Print characters may appear incomplete and the "fill area" on graphics will show areas with no ink.

What is the make of printer? Epsons are notorious for getting blocked heads- with other printers the head can be replaced separately, or sometimes is built into the cartidge. It's odd that you get lines on your prints, but not on the test page though - what are you printing, and at what settings and on what paper?