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Why is my printer smearing ink on the bottom of the labels?

Ink buildup on the exit surface can transfer to media and cause smearing, but it can be easily resolved with a simple cleaning procedure.

If you are experiencing ink smearing on printed labels — including when jogging media — the issue may be caused by ink buildup on the printer’s exit surface and internal rollers. 

This issue can typically be resolved by the user without requiring an RMA.

Symptoms

  • Visible smearing on printed labels after they have rolled or stacked on top of each other

  • Ink appears on the bottom liner when jogging or printing  

Resolution: Clean Exit Surface and Idler Rollers

This issue can be resolved with a simple manual cleaning process.

Step 1: Access the Printhead Area

Navigate to:

Support Tools → Service Print Zone → ACCESS PRINTHEAD FOR CLEANING

This moves the printhead sled out of the way, providing access to the internal exit surface.

 

Step 2: Clean the Exit Surface and Rollers

Using isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth:

  1. Wipe the exit surface thoroughly.

  2. Clean all the way up to the idler rollers located under the Upper Media Guide.

  3. Repeat the cleaning process several times if necessary.

In cases with significant ink buildup, multiple passes may be required.

Step 3: Test Print

After cleaning, run a test print to confirm the smearing has stopped.