Splotchy appearance

I have a Canon PS 50 which I love; however, when printing pics on my Epson Stylus Photo 820 printer, the pictures seem to have a "splotchy" appearance.

The appearance is mainly on sky, clouds, complexion, and walls. This happens no matter if I use normal, fine, or superfine compression. I have resolution set on small (640 x 480 pixels). I've also increased the resolution and it still happens.

I use 10 mil Hammermil Professional Photo Paper, brilliant gloss finish or Royal Brites Ink Jet High Gloss Photo Papoer.

The Royal Brites photo paper is from Sam's Club -- 150 sheets for $30. Pics actually print better on it than the Hammermil brand.

Any suggestions please?

Does the splotchy appearance happen more on the Hammerhill paper?

What about normal printer paper, is the less quality paper still blotchy?

Have you used ink other than original Epson? (refilled) That might be your problem. Did you try Epson paper? Check your printer settings, something may have been set to a setting that doe not work.

Is the blotchy in rectangles? This might be from extreme jpeg compression. Try unedited photos. If the blotchiness if from editing, save at higher quality.

Sounds like the splotches appear on larger same colored surfaces. Sounds like the paper isn't taking the ink properly. If you are using Epson original inks, try Epson paper and see if the same thing happens. If you are using off brand inks or refills, you don't have to look further.

I'll check this out and let you know back. Thanks for your response.

I'm using new Epson ink cartridges (never refilled ones).

However, I haven't tried "Epson paper" -- I'll try that when I can get to the store and get some.

Will let you know how it goes. Thanks so much for your response.

Actually I tried to use some HP paper with my Canon printer and got the same thing, so that's why I think it's an ink/paper thing.