Troubleshooting Faded or Light Text on Dockets
Faded, light, or unclear printing often points to issues with the paper, print head, ribbon, or printer settings. This guide walks you through the essential steps to quickly identify and fix fading problems on both thermal and dot‑matrix printers.
(TM‑T88V Thermal Printer & TM‑U220B Dot‑Matrix Printer)
A) Thermal Printer (TM‑T88V)
Check the Paper
Thermal printers require thermal‑sensitive paper.
What to look for:
- Paper must be thermal paper (80mm x 80mm Size)
- Incorrect paper type = faint, patchy, or blank printing
- Poor‑quality thermal rolls can also cause light print outs
Paper Type Test:
Scratch the paper with your fingernail—if it leaves a black mark, it's thermal.
Clean the Thermal Print Head
Over time, dust and residue can cause light or incomplete printing.
How to clean the head safely:
- Turn the printer OFF
- Open the paper cover
- Use a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol (IPA)
- Gently wipe the thermal print head
- Allow it to fully dry before printing again
Never use water or abrasive cleaners.
If the Print Is Still Faint
If all steps fail:
The thermal head may be worn out and be losing heat output.
B)Dot‑Matrix Printer (TM‑U220B)
Paper type has to dot matrix compatible size 76mm x 76mm
Replace the Ribbon (Epson ERC‑38)
Light or uneven printing usually means the ribbon may require replacement.
What to check:
- Install a new Epson ERC‑38 ribbon (Black and Red Compatible)
- Ensure the ribbon is properly threaded through the guide
Add Ribbon Tension
- Turn the ribbon spooler
- Tighten it until the ribbon is snug
- Make sure the ribbon advances smoothly
Following these steps ensures safe and proper handling of the printer components. If you need further assistance, simply click the blue chat icon at the bottom-right corner of the screen to connect directly with our Application Support Team.