Faded or light prints
Turn off Draft/Eco/Toner-Save and raise density. On lasers, rock the toner or replace it if low. On inkjets, run a nozzle check and cleaning for a partial clog.
Streaks or horizontal banding
On inkjets, clean and then align the print head; repeating gaps mean a clogged nozzle row. On lasers, evenly spaced marks point to the drum — clean the corona wire (Brother) or replace the drum.
Vertical lines or smudges
Smearing often means the wrong paper type or a fuser/roller issue on lasers. On copies/scans, wipe the scanner glass and the narrow ADF scan strip — a single speck there creates a line down every page.
Color looks wrong
Run color calibration/registration, confirm no color is empty or clogged, and set the correct media type. For photos, use photo paper and the matching paper setting.
When cleaning won't cut it
If repeated inkjet cleanings don't restore a color, the head may need a longer soak, or a removable printhead may need manual cleaning. Endless automated cleanings just waste ink.