why can't I print the colors I see?

[Rose_Mary]

I run Elements in Windows XP home and have a Canon i960 printer, using Canon inks and Kodak paper. Whenever I print a picture I must push the saturation until I have a color match for the printer (this is an experimental paper/ink waster). The color saturation matches are better on glossy photo paper than matte. I have modified my screen colors, but this does not help once I am inside Photoshop. I have tried using the various settings for output source. Nothing makes any difference. :( . What should I try next.????

[e-mailsucks]

Hi Rose_Mary. I have the exact printer as you do. I just love it. I also am running XP Home Edition Service Pack 2. My printer matches exactly to my monitor. All I can suggest right now is the normal, do you have the latest drivers installed for your printer. Have you tried printing in a different program and how does it come out? Does your paper type match what is set in the Canon paper type?

Brian

[Jodi Frye]

Brian, I thought for sure you were going to mention to try a different brand of paper...I know that Epson gnarls and spits if i put Kodak paper anywhere it can see it...perhaps Canon's don't mind this brand ? I tried it once...what a mistake that was ! Really awful prints.

[e-mailsucks]

I've never heard of that before Jodi. It sure is a possibility though. You know those printing manufacturers. I was going to ask her if she tried printing using Canon's EZ Photo Printer Program. I only use Canon Photo paper and it prints perfectly.

Brian

[treedog]

Rose_Mary,

If you search through past posting on this fourm you will probally find the solution you are looking for. This certainly is not an uncommon problem, there are just a ton of variables that will affect printing issues. ICC profiles, monitor calibration, paper quality option, are just a few.

Color management was a huge education process for me that took a few days to even know enough to be dagerous (where I'm at now).

This link might get you going
http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3989&highlight=color+colour+management

Keep posting questions as you go

Jim

[SueW]

Rose_Mary - I have the same printer as you, Canon printers really print best with Canon paper. This is my 2nd Canon and I wasted a lot of time and money with the first one trying different papers until I realized I needed to stick with Canon products.

There is also the calilbration issue to factor in, but I know with my Canon printer I don't have to use any special settings, just tell it what kind of paper I'm using and voila! beautiful prints.

Good luck - I know how frustrated you must be!

Sue