Canon cartridge refilling basics, part 3: why you should not print to empty

Steps

1. 1

   Step 1: Understand what the printer does between low and empty

   • While there is ink in the reservoir, the sponge stays in a constant state. Ink used from the sponge is replaced from the reservoir.
   • When the reservoir runs out, the prism tells the printer.
   • From that point the printer prints with the ink that is left in the sponge, and it expects a certain amount of ink to be there.
   • When the printer reports the cartridge as empty, much of the ink has been pulled out of the sponge.

   CarefulRunning the printhead without ink can damage it permanently.

   Watch: Advanced aspects of Canon cartridge refilling (part 3 of 5) Video: Advanced aspects of Canon cartridge refilling (part 3 of 5) (youtu.be/lioycomsMkQ)
2. 2

   Step 2: Know what printing to empty does to the sponge

   Every time a cartridge is run from low to empty, foam forms in the sponge.

   • A sponge with foam in it does not absorb ink well when you refill.
   • The foam builds up a little more each time the cartridge is run to empty.
   • In the end the sponge locks up. It will not take in ink and will not release it, so that color bands or stops printing.
3. 3

   Step 3: Refill at the low ink warning

   1. Refill when the printer shows the low ink warning. Do not keep printing until it says empty.
   2. Refill until the sponge is saturated again.
   3. Check that the bottom of the sponge is solid with ink before you use the cartridge.

   On a healthy cartridge the ink at the top of the sponge is used first. The bottom should always stay solid with ink.

   TipRemember: bottom solid. If the bottom of the sponge looks faded or patchy, do not print with that cartridge.