Kyocera ECOSYS P5026cdw Poor print quality

[Oleg67]

Hi everyone,I’m hoping someone has encountered a similar issue. My printer has started printing poorly. I’ve noticed artifacts appearing on the output—especially on light areas. When printing colored images, they come out very dark. For example, on a blue sky, I’m seeing gray pixel-like artifacts, similar to what you’d see in Minecraft.


I’ve attached a photo of the printout for reference. I’ve tried a basic cleaning cycle, but the problem persists. Any advice on what might be causing this or how to fix it would be greatly appreciated!


Thanks in advance!

 

[The Hat]

how to fix it would be greatly appreciated!

Have you tried to print a nozzle check or whatever it’s called on your printer.
When you do post it up here please…

 

[thebestcpu]

Hi everyone,I’m hoping someone has encountered a similar issue. My printer has started printing poorly. I’ve noticed artifacts appearing on the output—especially on light areas. When printing colored images, they come out very dark. For example, on a blue sky, I’m seeing gray pixel-like artifacts, similar to what you’d see in Minecraft.


I’ve attached a photo of the printout for reference. I’ve tried a basic cleaning cycle, but the problem persists. Any advice on what might be causing this or how to fix it would be greatly appreciated!


Thanks in advance!

Hi @Oleg67
This is not a printer quality issue. It is not an ink nozzle issue as you have a laser color printer.
The issue you're experiencing is likely due to using the incorrect setting when printing. I am not an expert on all the modes and settings available, yet I can recreate your image in Photoshop with a curves adjustment Layer, which I included with the resulting image. Its similar to a grayscale mode with extremely low contrast yet I would not be surprised if there are other ways to create the problem:

I suggest you read the possible options below and check your settings.
Just a quick suggestion
John Wheeler

PS - the strange blocking comes from the JPEG compression algorithms that block things up when the colors/tones are very similar to each other in the same vicinity.

Kyocera ECOSYS P5026cdw – Printing Options

Print Modes & Options

1. Full Color

- Supports full four‑color (CMYK) printing at up to 1200 × 1200 dpi.
- Print speeds equal for mono and color: approximately 26 ppm for
A4/Letter.

2. Grayscale or Black‑and‑White Options (Driver Tools)

- Print text as black: Forces colored text to black only.
- Print grays with black toner: Renders grayscale with black toner
only.
- Print graphics as black: Converts all graphics to black-only output.
- Contrast control: Adjustable from –100 (low contrast) to +100 (high
contrast).

3. Color Conversion Priority (KPDL mode)

- Printer settings: Uses device defaults.
- Speed priority: Optimized for RGB data (faster output).
- Quality priority: Optimized for full-color data (better fidelity).

Summary Table

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Requirement Setting / Behavior
------------------------ ----------------------------------------------
Full-color printing Default; CMYK, 1200 dpi, ~26 ppm

Text only in black Enable “Print text as black” (driver)

Grayscale in black only Enable “Print grays with black toner”

All graphics in black Select “Print graphics as black” with
Color=Black

Gray contrast control Adjust Contrast slider (–100 to +100)

Optimize speed Use Color Conversion: Speed or Quality
vs. quality priority
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

How to Access Settings - Windows: Control Panel → Devices and Printers →
Right‑click P5026cdw → Printing Preferences → Imaging or Basic tab. -
LCD panel: Some job-accounting and restrictions available, but driver
provides full control.

Final Takeaway - Supports true CMYK color printing. - Black‑and‑white
modes are available via driver (text only, graphics, or grays in
black). - Additional tools let you adjust gray contrast and balance
speed vs. quality.

 

[Oleg67]

Have you tried to print a nozzle check or whatever it’s called on your printer.
When you do post it up here please…

Thank you for the clarification! Yes, this might be the page you meant. I’ve printed the Print Status Page from my Kyocera ECOSYS P5026cdw as suggested. The test page shows no artifacts or dark coloring—everything looks normal. The issue only occurs when printing images, where I see gray pixel-like artifacts on light areas and an overly dark output. I’ve attached a photo of the test page for your review. I’d greatly appreciate any further advice!

 

[The Hat]

I’d greatly appreciate any further advice!

Your print status page looks perfect and that rules out any issue with ink flow, so what I’d suggest you do is to convert your print to Greyscale and then try another print, you might find you’ll get better results..

 

[Oleg67]

Hi @Oleg67
This is not a printer quality issue. It is not an ink nozzle issue as you have a laser color printer.
The issue you're experiencing is likely due to using the incorrect setting when printing. I am not an expert on all the modes and settings available, yet I can recreate your image in Photoshop with a curves adjustment Layer, which I included with the resulting image. Its similar to a grayscale mode with extremely low contrast yet I would not be surprised if there are other ways to create the problem:

View attachment 17514

I suggest you read the possible options below and check your settings.
Just a quick suggestion
John Wheeler

PS - the strange blocking comes from the JPEG compression algorithms that block things up when the colors/tones are very similar to each other in the same vicinity.

Kyocera ECOSYS P5026cdw – Printing Options

Print Modes & Options

1. Full Color

- Supports full four‑color (CMYK) printing at up to 1200 × 1200 dpi.
- Print speeds equal for mono and color: approximately 26 ppm for
A4/Letter.

2. Grayscale or Black‑and‑White Options (Driver Tools)

- Print text as black: Forces colored text to black only.
- Print grays with black toner: Renders grayscale with black toner
only.
- Print graphics as black: Converts all graphics to black-only output.
- Contrast control: Adjustable from –100 (low contrast) to +100 (high
contrast).

3. Color Conversion Priority (KPDL mode)

- Printer settings: Uses device defaults.
- Speed priority: Optimized for RGB data (faster output).
- Quality priority: Optimized for full-color data (better fidelity).

Summary Table

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Requirement Setting / Behavior
------------------------ ----------------------------------------------
Full-color printing Default; CMYK, 1200 dpi, ~26 ppm

Text only in black Enable “Print text as black” (driver)

Grayscale in black only Enable “Print grays with black toner”

All graphics in black Select “Print graphics as black” with
Color=Black

Gray contrast control Adjust Contrast slider (–100 to +100)

Optimize speed Use Color Conversion: Speed or Quality
vs. quality priority
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

How to Access Settings - Windows: Control Panel → Devices and Printers →
Right‑click P5026cdw → Printing Preferences → Imaging or Basic tab. -
LCD panel: Some job-accounting and restrictions available, but driver
provides full control.

Final Takeaway - Supports true CMYK color printing. - Black‑and‑white
modes are available via driver (text only, graphics, or grays in
black). - Additional tools let you adjust gray contrast and balance
speed vs. quality.

I’ve conducted additional tests with my Kyocera ECOSYS P5026cdw. Today, I printed an image from a second computer, and the quality was poor again—artifacts and dark coloring returned. Earlier, when I manually changed the print profile on one computer (to "Text and Color"), the printer started printing better. However, when I used the second computer with the printer’s default settings, the result was poor again. This suggests there might be a glitch in the printer itself that isn’t resolved by resetting to factory settings. Could this be an issue with the printer’s hardware profile, and how can I check or fix it? I’ve attached a new photo of the print for your analysis. I’d greatly appreciate your recommendations!

 

[thebestcpu]

I’ve conducted additional tests with my Kyocera ECOSYS P5026cdw. Today, I printed an image from a second computer, and the quality was poor again—artifacts and dark coloring returned. Earlier, when I manually changed the print profile on one computer (to "Text and Color"), the printer started printing better. However, when I used the second computer with the printer’s default settings, the result was poor again. This suggests there might be a glitch in the printer itself that isn’t resolved by resetting to factory settings. Could this be an issue with the printer’s hardware profile, and how can I check or fix it? I’ve attached a new photo of the print for your analysis. I’d greatly appreciate your recommendations!

Hi @Oleg67
We are jumping around on the type of images you are trying to print with your printer, so it's a bit more difficult to help.

I am writing to inform you that, unfortunately, the printer is not designed for fine-level grayscale or photographic reproduction, but rather for text and business graphics. There are many expressions to describe this, yet you can't make something with refinement out of poor raw materials.

I will provide some technical specifications that explain why the printer is limited, and then follow up with suggestions on how to achieve the best, albeit limited, quality for grayscale and color images.

The following is a summary of your printer's technical resolutions. Note these are in dpi and not ppi.

The resolution is quite limited, and even in multibit enhanced mode, it only supplies 16 levels of tone for each color, with a 4-bit depth for tonality at 600 dpi resolution (CMYK). In the best case, this would have some posterization issues, in my opinion.

Here is a set of instructions for this printer that I got off the internet for the best grayscale and color image printing for you printer. Please remember that most reviews indicate that this printer is good "for the occasional photo image." Translation: its OK in a pinch yet don't count on it for good photo image reproduction

In all cases, you should be using the Kyocera drivers for you particular OS and OS version which is available online from their support website.

Hope the information below is helpful.
John Wheeler

Best Settings for Printing Fine Grayscale or Photographic Color Images
======================================================================

1. General Principles
---------------------
- Use High-Quality Modes: Always switch from “Eco” or “Draft” to Best/High Quality in the printer driver.
- Paper Type: Select Coated Paper/Glossy (if available) instead of “Plain” so the printer applies toner more evenly and with richer density.
- Media: Use high-quality laser-compatible photo or presentation paper. Inkjet photo paper will not fuse correctly and can damage the printer.

2. Driver / Menu Settings
-------------------------

For Fine Grayscale Images:
- Color Mode: Set to Grayscale (K-only) in the driver.
- Resolution: 1200 × 1200 dpi for sharpness in fine detail.
- Halftone / Dithering: If the driver offers it, choose Photographic / Fine Gradation instead of “Text” or “Business Graphics.”
- Density Adjustment: Slightly lower toner density (-5 to -10%) if you see banding or muddy midtones.

For Photographic Color Images:
- Color Mode: Leave on Color (CMYK) with “Best Quality.”
- Resolution: Enable Multibit (9600 × 600 dpi equivalent) for smoother gradients.
- Color Profile / Matching:
* Use sRGB as the input color space (most images are sRGB by default).
* If available in the driver, select “Graphics” or “Photographic” under Color Reproduction.
- Density & Brightness: Many users find prints too dark — adjust brightness up +5–10% in the driver or photo editing software.
- Gloss / Coated Paper Option: Choose Glossy/Coated to get smoother tonal transitions.

3. Maintenance & Calibration
----------------------------
- Drum and LSU Cleaning: Run these from the printer menu occasionally for consistent grayscale output.
- Genuine Toner: Third-party toner often has larger particle size → rougher gradients and weaker midtones.
- Warm-Up: First prints can be less consistent. For critical output, print a small test sheet before your actual image.

4. Expectations
---------------
- You can get decent grayscale charts and passable photos for casual use.
- For true photographic quality (smooth skin tones, subtle gradients, deep blacks), even the best settings here won’t match an inkjet photo printer with dedicated gray inks (e.g., Epson or Canon photo models).

Recommended Setting Combos
--------------------------

Color Photo Example:
- Driver set to Best Quality / Multibit
- Paper: Glossy Laser Photo / Presentation
- Color Reproduction: Photographic
- Resolution: 9600 × 600 dpi equiv.
- Adjust Brightness +5–10%
- sRGB image source

Grayscale Example:
- Driver set to 1200 × 1200 dpi
- Mode: Grayscale (K-only)
- Halftone: Fine Gradation / Photo
- Toner Density: -5%
- Paper: Smooth Coated / Laser Presentation

 

[Oleg67]

Hi @Oleg67
We are jumping around on the type of images you are trying to print with your printer, so it's a bit more difficult to help.

I am writing to inform you that, unfortunately, the printer is not designed for fine-level grayscale or photographic reproduction, but rather for text and business graphics. There are many expressions to describe this, yet you can't make something with refinement out of poor raw materials.

I will provide some technical specifications that explain why the printer is limited, and then follow up with suggestions on how to achieve the best, albeit limited, quality for grayscale and color images.

The following is a summary of your printer's technical resolutions. Note these are in dpi and not ppi.

View attachment 17518


The resolution is quite limited, and even in multibit enhanced mode, it only supplies 16 levels of tone for each color, with a 4-bit depth for tonality at 600 dpi resolution (CMYK). In the best case, this would have some posterization issues, in my opinion.

Here is a set of instructions for this printer that I got off the internet for the best grayscale and color image printing for you printer. Please remember that most reviews indicate that this printer is good "for the occasional photo image." Translation: its OK in a pinch yet don't count on it for good photo image reproduction

In all cases, you should be using the Kyocera drivers for you particular OS and OS version which is available online from their support website.

Hope the information below is helpful.
John Wheeler

Best Settings for Printing Fine Grayscale or Photographic Color Images
======================================================================

1. General Principles
---------------------
- Use High-Quality Modes: Always switch from “Eco” or “Draft” to Best/High Quality in the printer driver.
- Paper Type: Select Coated Paper/Glossy (if available) instead of “Plain” so the printer applies toner more evenly and with richer density.
- Media: Use high-quality laser-compatible photo or presentation paper. Inkjet photo paper will not fuse correctly and can damage the printer.

2. Driver / Menu Settings
-------------------------

For Fine Grayscale Images:
- Color Mode: Set to Grayscale (K-only) in the driver.
- Resolution: 1200 × 1200 dpi for sharpness in fine detail.
- Halftone / Dithering: If the driver offers it, choose Photographic / Fine Gradation instead of “Text” or “Business Graphics.”
- Density Adjustment: Slightly lower toner density (-5 to -10%) if you see banding or muddy midtones.

For Photographic Color Images:
- Color Mode: Leave on Color (CMYK) with “Best Quality.”
- Resolution: Enable Multibit (9600 × 600 dpi equivalent) for smoother gradients.
- Color Profile / Matching:
* Use sRGB as the input color space (most images are sRGB by default).
* If available in the driver, select “Graphics” or “Photographic” under Color Reproduction.
- Density & Brightness: Many users find prints too dark — adjust brightness up +5–10% in the driver or photo editing software.
- Gloss / Coated Paper Option: Choose Glossy/Coated to get smoother tonal transitions.

3. Maintenance & Calibration
----------------------------
- Drum and LSU Cleaning: Run these from the printer menu occasionally for consistent grayscale output.
- Genuine Toner: Third-party toner often has larger particle size → rougher gradients and weaker midtones.
- Warm-Up: First prints can be less consistent. For critical output, print a small test sheet before your actual image.

4. Expectations
---------------
- You can get decent grayscale charts and passable photos for casual use.
- For true photographic quality (smooth skin tones, subtle gradients, deep blacks), even the best settings here won’t match an inkjet photo printer with dedicated gray inks (e.g., Epson or Canon photo models).

Recommended Setting Combos
--------------------------

Color Photo Example:
- Driver set to Best Quality / Multibit
- Paper: Glossy Laser Photo / Presentation
- Color Reproduction: Photographic
- Resolution: 9600 × 600 dpi equiv.
- Adjust Brightness +5–10%
- sRGB image source

Grayscale Example:
- Driver set to 1200 × 1200 dpi
- Mode: Grayscale (K-only)
- Halftone: Fine Gradation / Photo
- Toner Density: -5%
- Paper: Smooth Coated / Laser Presentation

Thank you so much for the detailed explanation and technical specs! I understand now that the printer isn’t designed for high-quality photo or fine grayscale reproduction, which explains the artifacts and dark prints I’ve been seeing. The test pages work fine, but photos (like the one with the superhero) show issues.

I’ll try your suggestions: switching to "Best Quality" with 1200 × 1200 dpi for grayscale and Multibit (9600 × 600 dpi equiv.) for color, using glossy laser paper and adjusting brightness (+5–10%). I’ll also run the drum cleaning and stick to original toner.
Best, Oleg