Faded text or streaks on prints from an Epson EcoTank ET-2800 are signs that some nozzles are not firing, that an ink tank is low or that the paper and quality settings do not suit, and the cure is a series of quiet steps. Print a nozzle check first, since it shows exactly which colors are affected, and compare it with the printer's manual.
The checks in more detail
A horizontal streak across the page, repeating at intervals, usually means a few nozzles are blocked in one color, and fading overall means the print head is running dry or the printer is set to a draft quality. Run one print head cleaning, print the check again, and repeat only if there is progress. Epson warns that frequent cleaning uses a lot of ink and fills the waste ink pad. Check the tanks and the quality settings. The tanks should be above the lower line, and low ink is a quick cause of fade.
In the driver, set the quality to Standard or High and the paper type to match the paper, because Draft mode and Plain paper settings on a glossy sheet give pale and streaky results. Use paper meant for inkjets, since very absorbent or very smooth paper makes ink spread or pool. If streaks only appear on photos, run the printer's print head alignment from the maintenance tab. If the streaks persist after cleaning and a night of rest, try the printer's Power Cleaning if it has one, which is a deeper process, used sparingly; the manual describes it.
Do not shake or tilt the printer with ink in it. Keep the cap of each tank closed and the printer in a room that is not very dry or hot, since dry air speeds up nozzle blocking. Print a page every few days. If the nozzle check will not complete after several attempts spread over a day or two, the head may need service, and Epson can advise with the model and serial number. Do not use refilled non-Epson ink if the warranty matters.
Differential
Likely causes of “Epson EcoTank ET-2800 prints faded, streaked, banded or with missing colors”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Blocked nozzles
What separates it Streaks or gaps in the check
How to confirm Run one cleaning, then re-check
- 2
Low ink
What separates it Overall fade
How to confirm Refill to the upper line
- 3
Draft quality or the wrong paper type
What separates it Pale prints
How to confirm Set Standard or High quality and match the paper
- 4
Misaligned head
What separates it Streaks on photos
How to confirm Run head alignment
- 5
A dry, hot room
What separates it Nozzles block quickly
How to confirm Print every few days and keep the caps closed
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The exact symptom and when it began
- The ink or toner state
- The paper type used
- The model number
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedPrint a nozzle check
ReversibleRead the pattern.
Run one cleaning
ReversibleAnd re-check.
Check the tanks
ReversibleRefill if low.
Set quality and paper type
ReversibleIn the driver.
Rest overnight
ReversibleBefore more cleaning.
Contact Epson
ReversibleIf the check will not complete.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Draft mode
- It gives pale printing on purpose.
- Cleaning
- Each one uses ink and the pad.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the problem persists after these steps, contact the maker with the model and serial number
- !Do not keep running cleaning cycles
- !Keep the receipt for warranty
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Why are my ET-2800 prints faded?+
Blocked nozzles or low ink.
How often should I clean the head?+
Sparingly; it uses ink.
Does quality setting matter?+
Yes.
What is Power Cleaning?+
A deeper process for stubborn blocks.