I see inconsistent color results when I print step and repeat images across a sheet of media. What should I do?

• Create a Custom Paper setting for your media by adjusting the following settings:

  • Paper Feed Adjustment
  • Head Alignment
  • Paper Thickness

  To adjust these settings, do the following:

  1. Clean the print head if necessary. See these instructions.
  2. Load the media type you want to use in the printer.
  3. Press the Menu button, select Paper, and then press the right arrow button.
     
  4. Select Select Paper Type > Custom Paper Setting and press the up or down arrow button to select a paper configuration number from 1 to 10. Then press the OK button.
  5. Select Custom Paper Setting and select the paper configuration number you selected in the previous step. Then press the right arrow button.
  6. Select Select Reference Paper and select the media type you loaded in the printer.

     Note: For proofing, we recommend you use Epson Proofing Paper White Semimatte. We recommend choosing a paper that closely matches the white point and thickness of the paper you are using.

  7. Select Platen Gap, select a Platen Gap setting, press OK, and then press the left arrow button. If you don't know the thickness of the paper you're using, we recommend you use the default setting.
  8. Select Detect Paper Thickness, press the right arrow button, and then press OK.

     A pattern similar to the one below prints.

     
     
     

     Note: A loupe or magnifying glass may be required to accurately see the alignment.

     Examine the pattern and choose the number with the best alignment of the vertical lines.

  9. Select the number you noted for the Detect Paper Thickness setting in the previous step, press OK, and then press the left arrow button to return to the menu.
  10. Select Paper Feed Adjust > Pattern and then press OK.

      A pattern similar to the one below prints. Select the number with the lightest-color pattern in each row, and then press OK.

      
      
  11. Select Drying Time Per Pass, select a time greater than 3 seconds, and then press OK.
  12. Adjust the following settings, if necessary:
      • Paper Suction: Lets you adjust the paper suction level when you print on thin media (under 12 pounds [5.4 kg]), such as drafting paper or back light film.
      • Roll Paper Tension: Lets you adjust the tension. Select High or Extra High for cloth, thin paper, or paper that wrinkles during printing.
      • Remove Skew: Lets you enable paper skew reduction.
      • Setting Name: Lets you enter a name for the custom paper setting.
  13. Press the Menu button, select Maintenance > Head Alignment > Auto > Bi-D All Color, and then press OK.

      Note: If you plan to create dot proofs, perform the Auto method and verify it with the Manual method.

      Note: Do not open the front cover or turn off the printer during the alignment process.