To Refill Or Not?

Decorating By WeezyS Updated 31 Aug 2011 , 1:31am by icingimages

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WeezyS Posted 2 Aug 2011 , 2:30am
post #1 of 23

I just changed my printhead and installed new ink cartridges in March (2-cartridge printer).
I have only printed 8 pictures and today tried to print my pattern just to keep the ink running.
It is a small rainbow, black outline, purple, red, and yellow.
The black printed dark green, the purple light green and the red printed yellow. The yellow stayed yellow.
How do I tell if the ink is low or empty in the cartridge? Is there a way to tell if they are dried out? I touched each one of them with a q-tip and the all produced color. I took them out to check the ink level,but it is impossible to tell as they are all a blur. I don't want to refill them yet in case that is not the problem.
I'd appreciate any advice on what to do. Thanks. icon_cry.gif

22 replies
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icingimages Posted 2 Aug 2011 , 12:34pm
post #2 of 23

You changed your printhead in march...why? Which printer do you have and how old is it? You may have another issue going on which may be mimicking the printhead problem. It may have been why you changed your printhead prior without realizing it. WIth the 2 cartrdige printer, there is no way to tell when your cartridges are empty. And the problem is if you over fill you can ruin your cartridge. You can add a little bit of ink, not too much. I am going to guess if you have a 2 cartidge printer that it is a very old printer. My guess is the sponges may be dry in the printer (not the cartridges) causing the problem that appears to be a printhead problem.

So...Refill...just a little bit and retest. IF it works great!
If it doesnt, you may have another problem going on. The sponges may be dry. If you are a customer of ours, sign in to your account and go to the support page. Under trouble shooting look for dampening the sponge. IF you are not a customer of mine, email my office directly at [email protected] and ask for the instructions on dampening the sponge. Let them know youare a cake central member and you need those instructions.
If that doesnt work, you may have a clog in your printhead. DO NOT SPEND any more money on printheads for that printer. If you have the printer I think you have, it will become a money pit and frankly is not worth it. Touch base with me and let me know how it goes and we can figure things out from there.

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WeezyS Posted 2 Aug 2011 , 9:47pm
post #3 of 23

Thank You for your help. Yes, my printer is old. I bought it from you in 2006! icon_lol.gif It is a Canon Pixma MP130. This is the second time I put in a new printhead. The one I put in this March was because I had a clog I couldn't get open(or so I thought). So I put in a new printhead and new ink cartridges.

I will try dampening the sponges as you stated. I do have an account and looked it up. Should I try this before I add a little ink? I'm really afraid of ruining my new cartridges.

I'll take your advice and not spend anymore money on the printer.
The last time, I wanted to buy a new printer instead of a printhead but my husband talked me out of it because this printer never gave me any problems.
Wish me luck! icon_smile.gif

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icingimages Posted 2 Aug 2011 , 9:59pm
post #4 of 23

Oh Weezy my dear...so much has changed in the edible world since the old mp130's!!! When it finally dies, you will love edible printing. I would try dampening first. When you do refill, only do a little, not too much.

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WeezyS Posted 10 Aug 2011 , 8:51pm
post #5 of 23

Whew!!! I finally got my printer to print. Took alot of effort though.

I dampened the sponges first, then I cleaned the printhead, with no luck. Then I added a little ink.

So yesterday I called your office and was given so much help. You people are wonderful. I never knew how to run a nozzle check, but the woman I was speaking to looked it up online and helped me through it. Now I know how to do everything. She told me it sounded like a clog.

I had to do three cleanings to the printhead and I just ran it, and it is great.
But I am definately looking into a new printer when this dies next time.
What would you suggest as the best edible printer right now?

Thank You so much for all your help. I have a big cake coming up on Aug. 20, so I'm crossing my fingers that it is still working till then!! thumbs_up.gif

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icingimages Posted 10 Aug 2011 , 8:58pm
post #6 of 23

HI Weezy,
I am glad we were able to help you! Right now my favorite printer is the Canon MG5220.

Make sure you use your printer between now and then. You can print ahead of time as well. Just be sure to keep the image in a zipped bag out of direct light.

Thank you for the kind words about my staff, I am so glad we could help.

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WeezyS Posted 13 Aug 2011 , 12:12am
post #7 of 23

So now I have a new problem.... icon_cry.gif

I got out my icing sheets just to check them. When I try to peel them, they just shred in little pieces. So what do I do??? I love these sheets I last purchased and I don't know what happened to them. They are the Premium Sheets and they worked great. This started when we had all the hot humid weather, but I thought they would be fine now.

I have them sealed and put in a drawer where the weather can't affect them.
PLEASE HELP!!!

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icingimages Posted 13 Aug 2011 , 1:05am
post #8 of 23

Instead of trying to peel them from the opposite side. If you flick the corner it will seperate and peel. Are you having difficulty before or after you print?

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WeezyS Posted 16 Aug 2011 , 7:02pm
post #9 of 23

I'm having trouble before and after I print.

Nothing works, no matter which way I try to peel them they just shred into little pieces icon_cry.gif They seem really soft.

Is there anything I can do? My cake has to be ready this Friday.

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icingimages Posted 16 Aug 2011 , 7:14pm
post #10 of 23

Call my office right now so we can help you right away.
Thanks

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WeezyS Posted 17 Aug 2011 , 7:25pm
post #11 of 23

I called the office and got much help as I expected.

I put the damp paper towel in the bag with the sheets but that didn't work. Would using a hair dryer or the freezer work? I read this on the paper I received with the sheets. I'm at a loss, but thanks for your help. thumbs_up.gif

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icingimages Posted 17 Aug 2011 , 7:32pm
post #12 of 23

Call and ask for Lora...We still have time to help you and I want to be sure that we are able to assist you in any way that we can.

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icingimages Posted 17 Aug 2011 , 8:29pm
post #13 of 23

Call and ask for Lora...We still have time to help you and I want to be sure that we are able to assist you in any way that we can.

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WeezyS Posted 25 Aug 2011 , 1:18pm
post #14 of 23

Lora was very helpful, thank you very much. thumbs_up.gif

I finally got my images off the sheet by placing it in the freezer, although I had to work very fast once I took it out.

The cake turned out really nice and the customer was happy.

I've been trying to upload a picture but am having some difficulty on this site doing so. I'll keep trying.

You people at icing images are great! Thanks for all your help and patience. icon_biggrin.gif

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tiggy2 Posted 25 Aug 2011 , 1:51pm
post #15 of 23
Quote:
Originally Posted by WeezyS

Lora was very helpful, thank you very much. thumbs_up.gif

I finally got my images off the sheet by placing it in the freezer, although I had to work very fast once I took it out.

The cake turned out really nice and the customer was happy.

I've been trying to upload a picture but am having some difficulty on this site doing so. I'll keep trying.

You people at icing images are great! Thanks for all your help and patience. icon_biggrin.gif


thumbs_up.gifthumbs_up.gifthumbs_up.gif

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icingimages Posted 25 Aug 2011 , 2:38pm
post #16 of 23

Glad things worked well for you. You will not always have to do the freezer trick. 99% of the time, if not more, they will come right off for you. If you are having trouble uploading your picture on IIPrint, it is probably because your file is too big. Reduce the size and you should be fine! These days, digital cameras take high res pictures and are way more then we need for edible pritning. Glad things are going well.....

BTW...we have more big annoucements coming from Icing Images....

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tiggy2 Posted 25 Aug 2011 , 4:10pm
post #17 of 23

Can't wait for the big announcements Debbie! Just used your frosting sheets with my electronic cutter and they are wonderful. I trtied other brands and they just slid around on the backing but yours stay put until I'm ready to peel them off icon_smile.gif. I'll be ordering the colored sheets soon.

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icingimages Posted 25 Aug 2011 , 4:19pm
post #18 of 23

Testing in just a few minutes!!!
Did you try IIPRINT yet?

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tiggy2 Posted 25 Aug 2011 , 4:26pm
post #19 of 23

No I haven't checked that out yet.

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StephW Posted 25 Aug 2011 , 4:53pm
post #20 of 23

I don't have an edible image printer, but if I decide to get one - I can tell you I will be looking to work with Icing Images just based on your responses in this post! What great customer service! Unfortunately you are a rare breed these days.

Well done!!!

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icingimages Posted 25 Aug 2011 , 5:27pm
post #21 of 23

Thank you so much for your kind words! We really do try hard to provide the best possible customer service that we can!

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Mikel79 Posted 31 Aug 2011 , 1:10am
post #22 of 23

I refilled my Canon IP4700 with icingimages ink. Works great. Here is a cake I did this weekend with the refilled ink...

http://cakecentral.com/gallery/2141013


HTH

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icingimages Posted 31 Aug 2011 , 1:31am
post #23 of 23

Awesome cake! Mikel...go check out our new IIPhoto software on our web... your gonna love it!

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