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Refilling
Tips.
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How
to avoid a mess
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How
to clean up
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Pressure
equalization
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Dried
out cartridges
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How
to extend the life of your cartridge
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How
to avoid any problems
When
you are refilling an ink cartridge, you should do it over some
newspapers, or better, an old rag or shirt. Cloth will soak
up any excess ink immediately and is easier to clean up. Once
you get used to refilling, a mess will no longer be an issue.
The
first time you refill a cartridge, you might get a little ink
on your hands. To get the ink off, wash your hands with soap
to remove any excess oils and use a mild bleach and water solution.
Then wash with soap and water to remove the bleach and excess.
Once you get use to the process, you shouldn't get any ink on
your hands.
Generally
an issue only for HP type cartridges, the best way to get optimum
performance out of you printer cartridge is to let it the pressure
stabilize properly. When a cartridge is emptied the internal
pressures are upset. When you refill it, the internal pressure
must reset before it will dispense ink effectively. Some cartridges
require you to re-pressurize them with a plastic squeeze bottle
that you have to blow into the air hole. Some cartridges simply
require that you let them sit for a small amount of time before
re-inserting them into the printer.
Specific
instructions will be given to you with your specialized refill
kit for your printer make and model. Simply follow your directions
carefully.
The
number one refilling problem is waiting too long to refill your
cartridge. When you don't fill up your cartridge right away,
the ink will dry and clog the micro holes at the outlet of the
printer head. This can lead to all kinds of problems, the foremost
being that your ink won't be able to get out! It is strongly
suggested that you keep two cartridges, one in the printer,
and one that is always filled. Keep the filled cartridge in
a ziplock bag. Refill your spare cartridge immediately upon
running out of ink and you will never run into this problem.
If you don't have two cartridges, just make sure that you fill
up your empty cartridge as soon as it is out of ink, and do
not wait. Even 20 minutes can ruin a cartridge if left dry.
If you don't have any ink available, wrap the cartridge in a
moist towel or napkin and seal it in an airtight ziplock bag.
The
only reason cartridges have a limited refill life is the resistors
that control the current to each outlet jet. When a cartridge
runs out of ink, the resistors can overheat and burn out. Most
printers will warn you of a low cartridge before it completely
runs out of ink. At the first sign of low ink, refill or top
off your cartridge to ensure a long refillable life!
Make
sure you follow the instructions that come with your refill
kit. Different makes and models have different instructions,
so even if you know what you are doing, it may differ with a
different printer! The easiest way to avoid problems; Follow
your directions to the letter.
If
you have any comments or suggestions for us, we would love to
hear from you!
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