Brother HL-L2350DWPrinting too light or faded

Severity: ModerateCategory: Print Quality

If your Brother HL-L2350DW is experiencing printing too light or faded, this guide covers common causes and steps you can try to resolve the issue. Please note that solutions are approximate and may not work in all cases — always consult your printer's manual or official support if in doubt.

At a Glance

This is a moderate print quality issue. The most common causes include:

  • Toner cartridge running low
  • Economy mode enabled in print settings
  • Drum unit needs replacement (usually after several toner cartridges)

Common Causes

These are the most frequent reasons this problem occurs

  • Toner cartridge running low
  • Economy mode enabled in print settings
  • Drum unit needs replacement (usually after several toner cartridges)
  • Print density settings too low

Quick Checks

Simple steps anyone can try before seeking professional help

  • 1.Check toner level indicator on printer display or Brother software
  • 2.Adjust print density in printer driver settings (try 'Darker' setting)
  • 3.Disable 'Toner Save' or 'Economy' mode in print preferences
  • 4.Remove toner cartridge and gently shake side-to-side to redistribute toner
Note: These are general troubleshooting steps. Your printer model may have specific procedures — always refer to your printer's manual or official support for detailed instructions.

Deeper Fixes

More involved solutions if quick checks don't resolve the issue

  • If shaking helps temporarily, the cartridge is running low and should be replaced
  • For Brother laser printers, drum units typically last 12,000 pages - check if replacement is due
  • Clean the printer's inside with a soft, dry cloth if toner dust is visible
  • Update printer driver to ensure settings are correct

When to Consider a New Printer

Sometimes upgrading may be more economical than repairs

  • If replacing both toner and drum unit is expensive, compare to new printer cost
  • For very high volume users, a printer with higher-capacity toner may be more economical

If these issues keep recurring, it might be time to consider better options

Check your cost-per-page and explore upgrade options that could save you money and reduce problems in the long run.

Compare Your Options

See how Standard, XL, and upgrading compare for your printing needs

Standard Cartridges

Best for occasional printing and lower upfront costs

Most Convenient
Price
£35.99
Yield
1200
pages
Cost/Page
~3.0p
Lower upfront cost
Good for occasional printing
Widely available
Higher approximate cost per page
BEST VALUE

XL / High-Yield

Maximum value with lower cost per page for regular printing

Lowest Running Cost
Price
£69.99
Yield
3000
pages
Cost/Page
~2.3p
Save ~22%
Save approximately 22% per page vs standard
Fewer replacements needed
Best for regular printing
Higher upfront cost

Upgrade Printer Option

Consider a new printer for better long-term value and features

Long-term

HP OfficeJet Pro 9022e

A versatile all-in-one inkjet printer designed for small businesses and home offices. Offers fast printing, automatic duplex, and wireless connectivity.

Approximate price:£250.00
Lower long-term costs
Better features & performance
Modern technology and efficiency
Requires new hardware purchase

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureStandardXL/High-YieldUpgrade
Approximate cost per page~3.0p~2.3pVaries
Approximate upfront cost£35.99£69.99£250.00
Approximate pages per cartridge12003000N/A
Best forOccasional useRegular printingLong-term savings