CONVERT AN EPSON EcoTank PRINTER FOR SUBLIMATION
If you're looking for a more affordable way to get into sublimation crafting, convert a regular printer instead of buying a sublimation-specific printer. Here is everything you need to know about converting an Epson EcoTank printer for sublimation.
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Equipment
- Sublimation Ink This ink is specifically designed for Epson EcoTank conversions
Ingredients
- printer paper to do test print
Instructions
- Before You BeginIMPORTANT: A few things to note before you convert an Epson EcoTank printer for sublimation:You can only do this conversion if the printer is brand new and has never been turned on or filled with ink. It's possible to do it with an old printer, but it's much more time consuming and crafters have had mixed results.Do NOT turn the printer on before you do the conversion.Once you convert the printer, it will no longer be covered by Epson's warranty.
- In the Epson EcoTank BoxEpson EcoTank PrinterPower cord (do NOT plug in the printer yet)Ink (do NOT put this into the printer)Owner's manualPrinter driver CD (don't worry, you can download drivers online if you don't have a CD-ROM drive)
- How to Convert a Printer for SublimationBecause Hippoo sublimation inks come with the EcoFill cap, this is a super simple process. Depending on your EcoTank model, you may have a slightly different process. The nice thing is, you can just follow along with your Epson instructions, swapping out the original ink for the sublimation ink.Start by opening the top of the printer. For this model, it takes a little effort to get the top lid to lift high enough to stay put. Then open the tank cover.
- Next, open the lid of the actual ink reservoir. Do them one at a time.
- Uncap the ink bottle and carefully tip it over, aligning the nozzle of the bottle with the hole in the tank. Press the bottle down and it will fill automatically. If you listen closely, you may be able to hear a "glug glug glug" sound. You shouldn't need to squeeze the bottle.
- Watch the front to see how full the tank is.When it gets to that top line, remove the bottle. Clean up any drips right away—the ink WILL stain.You may think the reservoir is full, but give your printer a small bump and the ink may go down a bit. That happened to me with the black in the above photo—I went back and filled it all the way up.Repeat this process with all of the tank colors.Now you can plug in the printer and turn it on. Then follow the on-screen instructions to get your new sublimation printer up and running!
