Epson R2400 with new CISS

[tractor]

Hi all,

Interesting forum.

I have recently purchased a second hand R2400 which when I bought it had a very slight blockage in the magenta head, which I've now cleared, I think as the test page shows all colours clearly.

Anyhow, when I bought it it was out of a couple of inks so rather than replace them I went straight to a CISS system bought from somebody local but advertised on ebay. This installed fine, seemingly no problems whatsoever.

I am now using the printer to print colour package labelling which is quite, well, colourful, however, the colours don't seem anywhere near as vivid as I think they should be. In fact they are quite pastelly (?). I have printed the images on my other printer, an Epson SX420, (on different paper though) and its perfect - very bright/ intense.

On the R2400 deep red looks more pink (the most obvious colour difference).

Does anyone have any ideas where the problem could be? Is it the quality of the inks? The paper (gloss adhesive labels)? The drivers? Something I have or haven't done?

All the best,

tractor

 

[tractor]

Forgot to say, they are pigment - not dyebased.

 

[pharmacist]

What type of pigment ink are you using ? Most cheap refill inks have a very limited gamut and will give you dull and muted colours. I am using pigment inks from www.precisioncolors.com (Image Specialists) for my Epson Pro 3800 printer, which is very similar to your R2400, but larger (A2) and with the same ink configuration like the R2400. The prints made with this refill ink are very good indeed and very similar compared to original Epson K3 ink.

You might use customized printer profiles for your type of paper/printer/ink combination to get the best results.

 

[tractor]

Thanks for the quick reply pharmacist.

The supplier of the ink also provided a custom profile, which was loaded into PS, but didn't seem to make any difference to the pastelly print.

I may consider an alterntive ink supplier, but as this one was local to me then this swung it for me. I am sort of hoping it is something I am doing wrong as it is new to me.

 

[pharmacist]

a pastelly print does mean the pigment particles are not resin coated, which is necessary to obtain a good gloss and shine.
Note: a custom profile is optimized for a specific paper with a specific printer setting. But this is something you probably know.

 

[tractor]

Thanks again pharmacist.

I am relatively new to this, so all help is appreciated.

I did not know that the resin part of the process was the reason for the gloss. I understand that pigment ink has resin encapsulation, thus is waterfast, but how does this work, this sounds like it may be my problem. If a word could describe the print, it would be pastelly (if it was a word?)

I possibly need to go back to the supplier?

 

[pharmacist]

You should ask your supplier about a refund or exchange for a new CISS.

 

[RogerB]

I wouldn't rule out the paper as part of your problem. I have done profiles for label materials and they can have a limited colour gamut - not much better than plain paper in some cases.

You say you have printed your image on another printer, on different paper. Have you tried printing it on the 2400 on real photo paper? I think that's the only way you will get a true indication of the ink gamut.

 

[tractor]

Right then, not had chance to test further as I have been working away, but I have just tested with photo paper with quite good results - thus pointing the finger at the paper now.

I have just been summoned to take the kids to the park before it gets dark, but when I get back I will scan and post the results. Hopefully I can insert images with such a low post count.

In the mean time, this does not sort my problem of printing the labels, any ideas......even if it's to change label paper type (they need to be on a roll).

 

[tractor]

I'm backtracking here a bit having printed out a more detailed picture. It definately seems lacklustre/ dull/ faded. Anyone agree? It may be the ink afterall - or even a mix of the two as it's super faded when printeed ona label.

So, both printed on the same photo paper. Second pic using provided ICC profile on R2400 and first (top) pic on bog standard everyday home use SX420.

Here goes with the pic: