Error:

Javascript is disabled in this browser. This page requires Javascript. Modify your browser's settings to allow Javascript to execute. See your browser's documentation for specific instructions.

hp-support-head-portlet

Actions

HP Customer Support - Knowledge Base

hp-contact-secondary-navigation-portlet

Actions

hp-share-print-widget-portlet

Actions

Information

Need Windows 11 help?
Check the information on compatibility, upgrade, and available fixes from HP and Microsoft. Windows 11 Support Center

Feedback

hp-concentra-wrapper-portlet

Actions

HP All-in-One Products - The Ink is not Drying and is Smearing When the Next Page is Finished

Introduction

If the ink is smearing, it probably is not getting enough drying time. The ink drying time is a period of time inserted between pages to reduce the chance that a page will smear the one below it in the output tray. This time is factored into the time between when the first page finishes and when the next page finishes. Printing will pause temporarily if more time is needed.

The time it takes for ink to dry varies greatly depending on paper type, printer driver settings, humidity, and temperature. In addition, the paper and print settings may affect the speed at which the ink can dry:

Transparencies require much longer drying times than other paper types.
Some store-branded photo papers do not allow ink to dry correctly because of the coatings used in their manufacture.
Printing in Best mode can increase the dry time.

Resolving the problem

If the ink smears, increase the drying time. To increase the drying time in Windows, follow the steps below:

When ready to print, click File, click Print.
Depending on your driver version, click Properties, Settings, or Preferences and follow the steps below depending on the option.
- For Properties or Settings, follow the steps below:
  1. Click the Advanced tab.
  2. In the Extra Dry Time section, move the slider toward More.
- For Preferences, follow the steps below:
  1. Click the Basics tab.
  2. From the Basics tab, click Advanced Features.
  3. In the Extra Dry Time section, move the slider toward More.
Try a sample print and see if the drying time needs to be increased more.

To increase the drying time for a Macintosh computer, follow the steps below:

From the File/Print Menu, select Ink under the General tab.
In the Dry Time section, move the slider toward More.
Try a sample print and see if the drying time needs to be increased more.

Other steps that will reduce ink smearing

If the ink still smears when printing, try some of the following suggestions:

Decrease the amount of time it takes for the ink to dry by decreasing the print quality to Normal or Fast mode.
Try printing on a different type of paper or on paper from another manufacturer. Paper formulas are different between manufacturers and may have a coating that causes the ink to be absorbed at different rates.
When printing large graphics or photos on plain paper in Best or Normal modes, improve the results by using heavier paper. Paper that is rated at 90 g/m² (24 lb.) or higher will not curl or smear as easily as paper of a lighter weight.

hp-feedback-input-portlet

Actions

hp-feedback-banner-portlet

Actions

hp-country-locator-portlet

Actions

Country/Region: Flag

Singapore

hp-detect-load-my-device-portlet

Actions

hp-hero-support-search

Actions

Examples: "LaserJet Pro P1102 paper jam", "ProBook 4430s bios update"