Misfeeds can manifest as the printer running paper through without
printing on it (this occurs when the paper arrives late due to slippage,
so it is rejected by the printer), or several attempts at feeding the
paper without success and then the driver and printer shutting down
(into pause mode). Most often, the problem is caused by glazing of the
pickup paper feed wheels. Some papers use coating such as kaolin clay,
which is very slippery, to create the special inkjet surface. As this
surface rubs onto the paper feeding and pick up wheels, the paper slips
more and more often, until it either caused the above mentioned
symptoms, or the paper feeds crookedly and may even get jammed in the
printer.
To clean, take a piece of blotter paper or other semi-absorbant uncoated
stock (water color paper, for instance) which is thin enough to go
through the printer, but heavy enough to hold some liquid and not fall
apart, and lightly spray one side with either isopropyl alcohol or
ammoniated window cleaner, and send it through the printer several
times, flipping it each time so the wet surface changes from top to
bottom to top, etc., using the paper load buttons on the front of the
printer. This usually picks up and removes residue from slick paper
surfaces which may come off onto rollers, old ink, etc. This also can
help in cases where the take-up paper feed wheels have become glazed
with inkjet paper coatings, and the paper is either not feeding at all
or entering the printer on an angle.
By using the same method described above to clean the rollers of residue
or ink, you can also clean the paper pick up wheels. If they are very
glazed, you may wish to use the cleaning fluid mentioned previously on a
foam rubber cosmetic swab, and clean each pick up roller (there are
usually two of them) within the printer just inside of the paper feed
area. These areas often have a mylar plastic shield which may need to
be moved to get to the wheel for cleaning.
After cleaning, run several pieces of scrap bond paper through to
dry all the roller well, so your better papers aren't ruined, or don't
transfer excessive coating back onto those rollers.
Art
