How to Convert an Epson Printer to Pigment Ink

By converting your Epson 4-6 color dye-based printer to our Premium Pigmented ink formulation, you will obtain superior durability, fade-resistance, and water-resistance on your prints compared to the use of dye-based ink. Using a colorfast and UV-resistant pigment ink is especially useful for crafts such as heat-transfer T-shirts, HTV, label printing, sticker printing, or other applications where the longevity of the final product is important. If you are unsure of which ink type is the best to use for your application, do not hesitate to contact us.

InkOwl's Premium Pigmented ink formulation is specifically formulated for use in Epson printheads and will function similarly to the original ink despite being pigment-based for every color. A stable pigment dispersion is used for printhead longevity with reliable, clog-free operation. This product is made in the USA, which allows us to guarantee consistent quality and availability.

What ink type is currently inside your printer?

Before beginning, it is important that you confirm the kind of ink your Epson printer uses by default. For Epson printers which already come with pigment ink, there is obviously no conversion to do, you are already using pigment ink!

The conversion procedures described on this page are for Epson printers that normally use dye-based ink. For these printers, we sell "Pigment Conversion Kits" which include a starter set of each color pigment ink. You will then follow the conversion procedures below...

To find out if your printer is currently running dye or pigment ink, you can refer to your current ink bottles, or if you're using original Epson ink, you can also refer to Epson's own specifications. If you remain unsure, do not hesitate to contact us for guidance.

How to Convert Dye-Based Epson Printers to Pigment

The steps to follow will vary depending on the kind of printer, so we have split this guide into 2 sections, one for EcoTank tank-based printers, and the other for cartridge-based printers:

• Converting a dye-based Epson EcoTank printer to pigment ink (all EcoTank ET- models)
• Converting a dye-based Epson ink cartridge printer to pigment ink (Artisan, Expression, etc...)

Converting a dye-based Epson EcoTank printer to pigment ink (all EcoTank ET- models)

Brand-new, out-of-the-box EcoTank printer:

A brand-new EcoTank printer that has never been filled with ink is ideal to convert. Since the printer is new, you can simply start the printer up for the first time with pigment ink. There is only 1 step to follow:

1. Inject our Premium Pigmented Ink directly into the tanks.

Used EcoTank printer:

The process of draining the previous ink from an EcoTank printer is quite cumbersome. Therefore, if you wish to use an EcoTank printer to print with pigment ink, the ideal option is always to convert a brand-new printer out-of-the-box. However, if you wish to drain and convert a used EcoTank printer that is currently running non-pigment ink, then this is the procedure we would recommend:

1. 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.
2. Unplug the printer and remove all paper trays.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Inject our Premium Pigmented Ink directly into the tanks.
6. Turn the printer back on and immediately run a Power Cleaning. For guidance, please refer to your printer's user manual.

Converting a dye-based Epson ink cartridge printer to pigment ink (Artisan, Expression, etc...)

If your Epson printer is currently using dye-based ink (including Epson-brand ink), it is recommended that you use fresh refillable cartridges and that you clean the printer immediately upon installing the InkOwl Premium Pigmented ink.

1. 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.
2. Remove all the old ink cartridges. Fill and install a fresh set of refillable cartridges with our Premium Pigmented Ink.
3. Perform 5 Printhead Cleanings to eliminate the old ink.