HP Photosmart 7520 ink smearing

**audyplongo** · 03-21-2017

hi i have a HP photosmart 7520 that when the print comes out the ink smears i have tried to clean the cartridges and align the print head still have a smearing problem can someone please give me some advice on how i can get it to stop smearing and have the ink dry correctly also after cleaning the cartridges it is printing blank pages

**cscce** · 03-21-2017

I used to have a 7520.
Are you using HP ink or another brand? What kind of paper (plain, photo)?
What print quality setting (economy, normal, best)?

Cleaning uses a lot of ink. It sounds like your ink tanks are empty now. If you run it when dry you risk permanently damaging the printhead.

**Iowatech** · 03-22-2017

I don't know if it is possible, but if you could share a picture of the print defect that would help.
To add a bit to cscce explanation, if you are printing on paper that the machine can't handle, the prints will smear too. That is somewhat unlikely though.

**audyplongo** · 03-22-2017

it is HP Original ink and the paper it regular plain letter.
not sure what quality setting its on cant seem to find that information on the printer
ill have to try with some new ink cartridges to see if that does anything but as of now it is still printing blank after cleaning the print head and ink cartridges

Originally Posted by cscce

I used to have a 7520.
Are you using HP ink or another brand? What kind of paper (plain, photo)?
What print quality setting (economy, normal, best)?

Cleaning uses a lot of ink. It sounds like your ink tanks are empty now. If you run it when dry you risk permanently damaging the printhead.

**cscce** · 03-22-2017

Originally Posted by audyplongo

it is HP Original ink and the paper it regular plain letter.
not sure what quality setting its on cant seem to find that information on the printer
ill have to try with some new ink cartridges to see if that does anything but as of now it is still printing blank after cleaning the print head and ink cartridges

It sounds like there might be dried ink or something else stuck on the bottom of the printhead. Use an inspection mirror to take a look. Also look at the printhead service station to see if there is any ink buildup or debris on the wipers.