Pixma iX6850 - Disappointing Colours?

[guitarbloke]

I bought an ix6850 last week after reading a lot of great reviwes, however I've been disapointed by the washed out colours.

I'm fairly new to this and I'm printing from Photoshop and Illustrator in colour onto 300gsm paper/card - I notice that all the colours - blacks in particular - are very washed out.

On the other hand, if I print onto gloss photo paper, the colours are great.

Is this typical from this printer?

I'm using the Canon inks that came with the printer.  The print heads are clean and I've realigned etc.

Any advice would be appreciated! 

[rs-eos · Accepted solution]

I'm assuming your 300gsm paper/card has a matte finish?  If so, this is all normal.  Matte paper will have a more subdued appearance.  Gloss paper will typically lead to higher saturation of colors.

[guitarbloke]

Thank you for that - yes you're right it does have a matte finish!  Hopefully that the issue in that case

I've ordered some 300gsm semi-gloss which I'll try when it arrives tomorrow.

[guitarbloke]

You were right. It's a great printer on the right (expensive) paper, but stick regular paper in and it's just awful.