[/quote]Also here is an idea for you, since your needing a home office and edible printer, use your edible printer for your daily paperwork. I print invoices, letters and everything using edible inks, it looks and dries the same as regular inks and replacing the cartridges is really no more expensive than buying regular ink cartridges. This also keeps my printer running between printing edible photos.[/quote]
My regular ink cartridges are $10 each and the edible image cartridges are $18.00 each so I find it much more expensive to use edible ink for every day printing.

Some of the older Canon models have the print head built into the cartridge and most HP models have the same set up, but most Epson and Canon models have a seperate print head in which you install the ink cartridges into. I had an Epson before where the print head clogged up and I was basically told to throw it away and buy a new one because you can not remove the print head to clean it. The Canon I have now has very little problems and I can take the print head out to clean it when I need to.

Hi Tiggy, sorry to hear that about the pricing. Right now I pay $59 for a complete set of 4 cartridges for my printer, and those include new chips on the cartridge without having to transfer over the old ones or resetting anything. So for me it works out to be more cost effective using it for my every day printing.

Ok, here's what I have learned from Jackie AND Carolina at KopyKake. They both said I could used regular ink, then switch to EI when doing an edible image. Right after I do the EI I have to do a deep cleaning with the regular ink. They both said you have to use regular ink to do a deep cleaning anyway in order not to clog up the printer. Permanent ink is considered non-toxic as long as you are using it how she described. I went ahead and ordered the canon mx700 with the edible ink cartridges and refill kits (they are less the half the price of EI cartridges). I'm going to go ahead and take their advise. I was so ify about it, I had her ask her manager just to make sure. Oh, and they said while I'm not using the edible ink to just store it in an airtight bag to keep it from drying out.

my icing sheets seem to be separating from the paper and it's hard to feed through the printer are the sheets no longer good

[/quote] The edible inks that I use are formulated to help keep the print head clean without having to use regular inks or special cleaners.

[/quote]

Photofrost:
Where do you get those edible inks ??
I want to know in case I need.

Here is a link to where you can get those cartridges from.

http://www.photofrost.com/catalog_new/index.php?cPath=28_46

Are there any videos on the steps of using an edible image? I ordered a printer and need to put one around the sides of a round cake.

go to s u g a r c r a f t . c o m and then scroll down the menu on the left to printers and click on photo cakes menu. There is a lot of info there.

There is not any videos that I know of personally but I will be glad to help you with any ideas you have and how you want to use them. Just let me know.

Ok I made my first edible image. It turned out great! The only problem is I have a few little bubbles in it after putting on cake. I did refrigerate the cake as it had a whipped cream cheese frosting. Is that the problem? The refrigeration? I left out over night and it helped calm the bubbles down but it still has a few tiny ones.

Thank you for asking this question, I am ready to purchase my edible image printer as well, I pay $13 per edible image sheet plus I have to drive an hour to and from.

Thanks for the input everyone!!!!

GrandmaG... After you lay the image on the cake you can lay a paper towel over it and very gently smooth it with a fondant smoother or the " melvira" I have also put a cake in the fridge with an Image and it did not cause bubbles, but it was buttercream not cream cheese iced. I next to never put a cake in the fridge but had to this one time.

Oh thanks! I was so afraid I'd ruin it. I guess the more I do the more comfortable I'll get with it!

Yes, I was the same way with the first few then its just like " just do it " If you mess it up you can alwyas print a new one! Thats the nice part of having your own E.I.printer you can jus go whip out another one!
But just remember you only really get one shot at laying it on the cake where you want it. If you try to move it , it will most likely ruin it.

I have a quick question: If you use a EI on fondant would it be possible to then mold that piece of fondant, say into a swag draped over the cake like fabric. I'm loving the EI idea the possibilities are endless.

The reason I ask is I have a friend who is getting married and he wants tartan on his cake, the only way I figured I would be able to do it is by hand painting the design1st.

Not sure if it would work with EI, think it would probably crack and crease, but you never know

Can you use regular photo software to print with, like Photoshop?

okay, I have a problem!
I've only used my ei printer twice. I've been running test sheets of a photo that I need and they're all coming out PINK! does anybody know what the problem is?

I know I read earlier that if you don't have the settings right it will not come out the right color.
How soon in advance can I make up my images if I keep them in a plastic bag?

I know I read earlier that if you don't have the settings right it will not come out the right color.
How soon in advance can I make up my images if I keep them in a plastic bag?

They would last 2 mths....but you could make them a couple weeks in advance

dutchy1971.. I could be wrong but I don't see the E.I. letting you change the shape of it without ruining it!
chilz822.. I would think that would work ,I have never tried it though!

cupcakesnbuttercream... Could you have a problem with your print head ? what printer do you have ?
GrandmaG.. I also have made mine up a couple weeks ahead.

I recently bought the epsom nx200, I'm sad to say we've had to clean the print head almost every time I've used it, but I do love the versitility this gives you as a decorating tool. I hope someone can stir me to the right printer.

I've read through this thread and it seems like everyone prefers the Epson NX200 for their EI's. But this is an all-in-one printer. I don't need all of that, just the printer. I found an inexpensive Canon printer at Walmart for $29.98 but it doesn't appear that they make EI ink for it. Anyone have a recommendation for just a printer for the EI? Thanks.

[i]I just recently purchased my Epson CX9400 printer from Staples online. I believe that it was only 109.00. They will ship for free to the store nearest you. Don't know if you have these stores. I ordered everything else through KK.

For just a printer only I would reccomend the Canon IP3500, great little machine and picture perfect prints.

Pinkish prints? try recleaning the print head thoroughly and if that does not work, uninstall the printer and reinstall the printer again, sounds like you may have a setting off.

Thanks PhotoFrost. I appreciate the suggestion. Wish they would make refills for the smaller canon printers. Walmart had one for only $29.98. Oh well, I will check ebay to see what I can find. Thanks again.