How to Convert to an EPSON or CANON Printer to Use Black Screenprinting Ink

Introduction

To improve the quality of your film positives and negatives for screenprinting, it is recommended to use a dedicated dye black screenprinting ink in all the channels of your printer. Note that in order to use black ink in all the channels of your Epson printer, a specialized software like AccuRIP will be required.

When switching to an all-in-black screenprinting ink system, it is usually necessary to purge old ink from your printer. This guide will explain in what situations purging is required, as well as how to purge the old ink from the printer.

Please refer to the appropriate section for your printer model:

• How to Convert a Wide Format Epson Printer to Black Screenprinting Ink
• How to Convert a Desktop Epson or Canon Printer to Black Screenprinting Ink
• How to Convert an Epson EcoTank Printer (including T3170x) to Black Screenprinting Ink

How to Convert a Wide Format Epson Printer to Black Screenprinting Ink

Example models: Stylus Photo R3000, Stylus Pro 3800, 3880, 4000, 4800, 4880, 4900, 7600, 7700, 7800, 7880, 7890, 7900, 9600, 9700, 9800, 9880, 9890, 9900, SureColor P600, P5000, T3000, T3200, T3270, T5000, T5200, T5270, T7000, T7200, T7270

If your Epson printer is brand-new, out-of-box and has never been used with ink inside or if your Epson printer is already using a dye-based black screenprinting ink, purging is not required.

However, if you are currently using any other ink, including original Epson ink, purging the old ink is required:

• Before beginning the conversion process, print a nozzle check to confirm that the printhead is working properly. Do not attempt to perform a conversion on a printer that is not printing correctly.
• Pour some purge fluid into a set of wide format refillable cartridges until about half-full. You can also use our ready-made cleaning cartridges, if you wish.
• Perform the initial fill procedure to clear the old ink from the lines and replace it with purge fluid.
• Dump the purge fluid from the refillable cartridges and refill with our black screenprinting ink. It is okay if a few drops of purge fluid mix with the ink. Alternatively, we offer ready-made screenprinting cartridges filled with the exact same ink.
• Repeat the initial fill procedure to clear the purge fluid from the lines and replace it with new ink.

How to Convert a Desktop Epson or Canon Printer to Black Screenprinting Ink

Example models: Pixma PRO-100, PRO-200, iP8720, iX6820, Artisan 1430, Stylus Photo 1400, SureColor P400, WorkForce 1100

If your printer is already using a dye-based black screenprinting ink, no cleaning is required.

However, if you are currently using any other ink, including original Epson or Canon ink, eliminating the old ink is required:

• Before beginning the conversion process, print a nozzle check to confirm that the printhead is working properly. Do not attempt to perform a conversion on a printer that is not printing correctly.
• Inject some of our black screenprinting ink into a set of refillable cartridges.
• Perform 5 Printhead Cleanings to eliminate the old ink.
• If the Nozzle Check pattern is mostly restored but not totally, wait 24 hours before continuing with Printhead Cleanings.

How to Convert an Epson EcoTank Printer (including T3170x) to Black Screenprinting Ink

Example models: EcoTank ET-2720, ET-15000, SureColor T3170x

If your EcoTank printer is brand-new or if it is already using a dye-based black screenprinting ink, simply pour InkOwl's black screenprinting ink directly into the printer's tanks.

However, if you are currently using any other ink, including original Epson ink, it will be necessary to drain the printer first:

• Before beginning the conversion process, print a nozzle check to confirm that the printhead is working properly. Do not attempt to perform a conversion on a printer that is not printing correctly.
• Unplug the printer and remove all paper trays.
• There is no easy way to get the ink out. The best option in our opinion is also the simplest option, and that is simply flipping the printer over, but of course this process can be messy. Flip the printer upside-down and then open the tanks to allow the ink to drain into a bucket or other suitable container.
• Flip the printer right-side up again and wait 1 minute. Then, repeat the flipping process to drain out even more ink. Repeat this process until as much of the previous ink is removed as possible.
• Refill the printer with our black screenprinting ink.
• Turn the printer back on and immediately run a Power Cleaning. For guidance, please refer to your printer's user manual.