1. If this is the first time you have refilled always start with a refill kit. The
kits include all the tools, ink and instructions necessary to successfully refill your cartridge. If you find that you can't do the procedure and just don't like refilling you are not out a lot of money. You would be surprised how many people order 4 pounds of bulk ink and don't have a clue what to do with it.
2. Do not let your inkjet cartridges dry out. You should be refilling them when there is at least a small amount of ink to keep the print heads moist. If you have a dried up cartridge you can try soaking the print head (if it has one) in our FLUSH solution over night. If the sponges are dry you can inject a couple cc's of FLUSH and let it sit over night.
3. Refill in batches if possible, testing each cartridge as you go along. See #12 for storage solutions..
4. Always have a spare cartridge that works. Don't think that just because you had a successful refill the last time that you will again. Inkjet cartridges are unpredictable. They don't need a reason to fail.
5. Do not buy a large amount of ink unless you are confident of the refilling process. This was already mentioned but I think it deserves a line of its own. Get a refill kit first until you're comfortable with the refilling process.
6. Black cartridges are usually easier to refill than color cartridges. This is because they are of a much simpler construction. Color cartridges usually have multiple chambers and it's easy to cross-contaminate colors if you are not careful.
7. Never over fill the cartridges. I know what you are thinking, "How can I see inside the cartridge, it's black?". If you can't see inside you can use a tooth-pick. It's like a dip-stick to check your oil, like in a car. You can get a pretty good idea how much ink is left.
8. Don't be in a hurry when you refill and don't rely on refilling to meet
important deadlines.
9. Always remove the cartridge from your printer before attempting to refill it. Drilling the top of some cartridges can create a tidal wave of ink inside your printer.
10. Take the necessary steps to protect your work area from spills. One
small accident can void the warranty on those new $330 Gucci loafers.
11. Never insert the cartridge in the printer if it's leaking. This should go
without saying but I know from my emails that people do it all too often.
12. To store empty cartridges or refilled cartridges you should put them
in a plastic zip lock bag or wrap them in cling plastic wrap.
About the Author
Barry Shultz is the author of Atlascopy News, and President of Atlascopy, Inc. Atlascopy specialized in affordable alternatives to the high cost of printer supplies. Sign up for the Atlascopy Newsletter and get 10% coupons every week in your email. http://atlascopy.com/signupnew.htm
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