We have an HP 950C printer that is printing a shadow on top of each letter. Looks like paper is to close to print head - have seen similar problem if I used labels on another printer.

Could be the rollers are slipping slightly. That is an old printer. Generally the life span of an inkjet printer is 3-5 years. If you get more than 3 years out of it, then you got your money's worth. Probably time to replace it.