Need Some Help/clarification Re: Edible Ink Printer...please
Decorating By CakeDiva73 Updated 30 Jul 2007 , 7:12pm by hellie0h
I am looking to get an edible ink printer and need some help...first off, before someone posts a link to a previous thread, I searched for several hours last night and am still confused, 
which is why I started a new one 
I'm not terribly original ~ I want to spend as little as possible 
so that means a KopyKake is out..... 
Must I get only KopyKake cartridges for the edible ink printer? There is not cheaper way, right?
Are these printed on special paper that you order from KK or can you get a 'generic' online? ( at first I thought it was on the rice paper they sell in the cake stores)
What is the best, most affordable printer to get for the job? It needs to be brand, spankin' new - straight from the box in order to handle food ink, right? No re-furbished, etc?
Now here is the super cheepo question....once you order the ink from KopyKake, can you use airbrush color or food color to re-fill?
Now before you scoff, lol, I realize I am cheap beyond description....it's just that I really want one of these and money is tight right now so I thought I would try and see if there were some little tricks...... if not, I will simply wait until Christmas and beg and plead with my Mom & Dad for one...... thanks
You must have a brand new printer, and they recommend you run the cleaner cartridge before you print anything.
KopyKake is one of the few places that sells edible ink cartridges.
I don't think they recommed re-filling them.
You have to use an edible 'paper'. You can use icing sheets or rice paper for the prints. That way it can be eaten with the cake or cookie.
There are several copiers in the $50 or less range that can use the cartidges. I think kopycake has a list.
There was a thread on this once, where the person was going to buy empty ink cartridges for the printer from one company and then use the refill kit from kopykake and try it that way and that would cut her cost in 1/2? I can't find it now, but I will keep looking.
I suggest you shop around and or wait for sales and promotions on the printer. I use KK brand. My total initial start up was less than $200.00. My printer was free after rebate. (Canon) inks, papers and extra software. I refill 5 - 6 times. I use the program almost daily. It paid for itself within the first year. I use KK frosting sheets because I like the quality. Rice or wafer paper is not as clear and is very porous. Rice or wafer paper is great for airbrush technique.
It will require that you maintain the upkeep. If you do the little tips, it will give you host of possibilities and years of satisfaction for you and your customers
I've been reading up on buying a printer for edible images for weeks now, who knew there was so much to know!
At any rate, I just talked to someone from kopykake and was told that refurbished printers were no problem at all and that at least with Epson (didn't ask about Canon), even a used printer is completely safe.
He said that running through a cleaning cycle and then run the edible inks through once was more than sufficient to be safe. He said that even on the outside chance there was a trace of ink left in the printer, Epson inks are non toxic so it just wasn't an issue. I also found this link that is pretty interesting regarding the safety issue on printers.
http://reviewboard.com/articles_ektid585.aspx
I had found an epson cx7800, refurbished for $49 and free shipping so I'm pretty happy to find that there isn't a problem using it!
Also, I'm really impressed with kopykake and their customer service. I had emailed them asking about the printer issue and within 30 minutes of sending the email, they called me on the phone. Whoever I spoke to was very helpful. I know where I'll be buying my supplies from!
I use a Epson C88, they are very reasonable in price, Office Max or Best Buy should have them, if not I know you can find one online as well. I bought my ink cartridges from kopykake and the frosting sheets as well. I don't think you will find ink and sheets cheaper anywhere else. Also if you are looking for a free program to use for your printed images here is a good one. http://www.deco.uk.com/content/view/51/97/
Maybe Santa Claus will come early this year if you work Mom and Dad the right way.
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