How to Fix Epson Paper Jams and Roller Marks on Matte or High-Color Media

Question:
I’m having trouble printing on matte or high-color paper. Every time I try, my Epson printer reports a paper jam. It only prints on plain paper without jamming, but even then, I see visible lines across the print. Do you have any suggestions to fix this?

Answer:

1. Paper Jams on Matte or High-Color Paper

Matte and glossy papers are usually thicker and less flexible than plain copy paper. Epson printers rely on friction rollers and paper sensors, and if the driver settings don’t match the actual media, the printer may incorrectly adjust roller pressure or feed speed. This mismatch can trigger false paper jam errors.

Fixes to try:

• Change the driver setting: In your print dialog, select the actual paper type (e.g., “Matte,” “Heavyweight,” or “Premium Presentation Paper”). This tells the printer to engage the rollers differently.

• Feed path adjustment: If your printer has a rear/manual feed slot, use that for thicker media instead of the standard tray. The straighter path reduces jams.

• Clean or inspect the paper feed system: Dust, worn-out pickup rollers, or a failing PF (Paper Feed) motor can make jams more frequent. If the printer struggles to grip paper, replacement rollers or a motor check may be needed.

2. Lines and Marks on Plain Paper

The “lines” you’re seeing are most likely from the star wheels (also called pizza wheels)—the small spiked rollers that help move paper under the printhead. On high-ink areas, such as matte or glossy prints, these wheels can leave tiny dotted lines or streaks.

Fixes to try:

• Reduce or remove star wheels: Some Epson models allow adjusting or even removing the pizza wheels, but this should be done carefully since they are essential for paper transport. Here’s a video that covers this in detail: Remove/Reduce Epson Star Pizza Wheel Roller & Printhead Strike Marks (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mHXXV2tP1o).

• Adjust print settings: Using the “High Quality” or “Best Photo” mode may slow the carriage speed, reducing the severity of marks.

• Check for feed wear: If the PF wheel or PF motor is worn, the paper may not track smoothly, leading to uneven feed lines.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. That’s why we’re not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We do, however, offer in-person evaluations and repair services through our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Please note that repairs are on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take several weeks before we can receive your printer. While our service is thorough, it may not always be the most cost-effective option, so we strongly encourage self-help first. You can explore more by searching our YouTube channel homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) and using the search icon to find videos specific to your issue. With nearly a decade of video guides, this is often the fastest way to find a solution.

Thanks again for reaching out, and for supporting our work. We hope these steps help you get back to printing smoothly!