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Anyone experience color shift for Epson ink older than 6 months?

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kelly1985

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Hi, I had posted in another message previously, discussing my print didn't match my monitor. And of course, most of the obvious reasons had been discussed.

My current ink in my Epson R1800 has been around 2 years old or even longer. Before invest in another $100+ to replace all new inks, or simply to get another printer altogether, I want to hear if anyone has experienced color problems due to "stale" ink.

Thanks.
 
No experience with any old ink problems, but I tend to use the ink within a year.

Since even new ink may not work, why risk the money and hassle? Why not just sell the printer? You should be able to get $225-250 for it.
 
I think I have a tank or 2 from 2007 still in my R1800. No ill effects.
 
If you feel you are having a color shift, redo the initial calibration routines. Should help IJ printers do shift slightly over their lifetime.

Tom
 
My direct reply is "NO"! The ink I am using in my Epson 7600 is over a year expired and has been in the printer for over 2 years with no ill effects, which surprises me. I do take out the carts every once in awhile and shake them, which I have no idea whether or not helps but makes me feel better!
--
Scott Oberle
http://www.photosbysandj.com
 
Before giving up on the printer, I took the plunge and order a new set of inks. I will update the results here.
 
I use carts in my 7600 that are listed to expire in 2007. I notice no difference in machine behavior or color. They are in airtight packages when you open them, and even then the cartridges are airtight until you puncture them for the first time. I think the expiration date on the cartridges has more to do with marketing and warranty issues than performance. There's nothing in dye or pigment ink that would lead me to believe it can destabilize over time...at least time under a decade.
 
i am referring to after the ink has been used and left in the printer for a longer period of time, say 2 years+ -
 
I have 5 year old epson ink on the self and it still runs on the same profile / paper as if I'd just made the profile. However the paper has been discontinued so I guess I'll have to make a new profile one of these days.
Bob
 
I would think that an inks rated for 100+ years of minimal color shift and fade free characteristics would never be expected to show a color shift problem in a few or even many years stored in a dark cartridge housing!

Just my thoughts, however, the more immediate issue might be pigment or even dye stratification settling which might show up - hence Epsons recommendation to vigorously shake the unopened carts before installation in case ink settling occurred on the shelf.
 
One thing to know is pigment ink will settle in solution so shaking if it has sat for some time is a good thing. I have bulk pigment ink in 1 liter bottles and it will settle a small amount in a few months so I am sure in the opaque carts you can't see what is happening. Maybe I should sacrifice a old cart from my 4000 and let it sit and see how it settles out. Would be a fun test. I actually have used ink that shipped with the first 4000's and the ink and profile is that same is current ink, just gave it a hard shaking before installing.
--
http://www.christopherbroughton.com
 
On further reflection, I did have the same problem several months ago. I blamed the color shift on the old ink and considered replacing all the carts ($500+ on an Epson 7600) or just chucking the printer and getting a new one. Wife nixed that option. Finally decided to try a ColorMunki. The printer/paper/ink combo I was using had been profiled by a commercial service. Turned out my profile had become corrupted somehow. The ink was fine, the printer was fine, and with a new profile the prints are fine. I highly recommend the ColorMunki and can't imagine functioning without it. Makes it very easy to reprofile when using a different paper or making any other changes...
--
Scott Oberle
http://www.photosbysandj.com
 
being a pigment ink, the pigment may settle during long periods of storage. I've noticed some minor variations over time if I don't run the printer regularly. Aggressive shaking prior to installation may help as well as being sure your getting true Epson inks.
--

'I may not know much about art, but I know what I like' John Cleese, Monty Python
http://www.pbase.com/baywing
 
Baywing said:
being a pigment ink, the pigment may settle during long periods of
storage.
Click to expand...
Certainly a distinct possibility. I had this problem recently with non-OEM B&W inks (from piezography.com). Cartridges filled and left for 6 months. Prints then too dark across the spectrum. A shake - drain - shake bottles - refill routine did wonders. Perhaps it would be more subtle with colour, but I imagine the principle is the same.

Don't some of the larger printers come with agitators for the large ink tanks?

F_P
 
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