Before you start
- Use a small example of the affected document and know the actual paper size and type. The computer settings below are for Windows.
- Check the visible tank levels before maintenance. If ink is too low, use the model-specific refill guide first.
Step 1:Match the real paper in both places
On the printer, open Settings → Printer Setup → Paper Source Settings → Paper Setting. Match the size and paper type to the loaded sheet. In the Windows print dialogue, select the same size and media type.
A4 is a size, while Plain paper or a supported photo-paper setting describes the media. Selecting glossy for plain paper does not improve the paper. The source reaches these checks through Print Failure → Faded/Strange Colors.
Step 2:Try a higher quality setting for the same small job
In the Epson Windows driver, open the Main tab and choose High under Quality where available. The source’s Windows dialogue instead exposes Output quality under More settings. Keep the selected printer and paper settings correct, then print one sample.
Compare it with the original before sending the whole job. This can help low-quality output or regular banding; it does not replace maintenance for a clogged nozzle.
Step 3:Use the pattern to choose maintenance
If a colour is missing, pale in broken lines or interrupted by gaps, use the linked nozzle-check procedure and inspect each colour pattern. Clean only when the pattern shows missing segments; follow that guide’s limits rather than repeatedly running stronger cleaning.
If the nozzle pattern is complete but horizontal bands or misaligned lines remain, use the appropriate print-head alignment guide. Choose the least gapped or overlapped pattern from your own sheet. Do not copy the example number selected in the video.
Step 4:Check colour rendering when the pattern is complete
A monitor emits light and a printed sheet reflects it, so identical-looking colour is not guaranteed. View the sample in suitable light and check the display’s brightness and colour settings before assuming a printer fault.
Epson also documents photo adjustment in the Windows driver. In More Options → Color Correction, choose Custom → Advanced. If PhotoEnhance or automatic Scene Correction changes the image unexpectedly, compare another appropriate correction setting on one sample. For closer display comparison, Epson lists EPSON Standard as a Color Mode option.
Change one setting at a time and retain the version that suits the actual image. These are available adjustments, not a guarantee of calibrated colour matching.
Step 5:Compare the result and stop unnecessary maintenance
Check the same small image for restored colour, fewer bands and the intended tone. Keep the paper and file constant so the comparison is useful. If nozzle gaps remain after the documented maintenance sequence, follow Epson support rather than treating a higher-quality setting as a repair.
Questions & troubleshooting
Is every screen-to-paper difference a fault?
No. Displays and printed paper produce colour differently. Check viewing conditions, display adjustment and driver colour treatment after confirming that nozzles and paper settings are sound.
Should I align the head for a missing colour?
Start with a nozzle pattern for missing or interrupted colour. Alignment addresses pattern position; it does not replace a clogged-nozzle diagnosis.
Should I copy number 4 from the video’s alignment sheet?
No. Choose from your own printed pattern. The appropriate value depends on the result produced by your printer.
