Sublimation Printer RUINED?! How to Fix a Clogged Sublimation Printer

[@dianahegseth6279]

Alex Tank you so much of this Tutorial SAVED me and my printer! It was printing fine one day the next day Magenta was not printing. It took me 4 cleanings and all is well now. THANK YOU!!!

[@DIYAlex]

YAY!! You’re so welcome! Im so glad it helped!

[@ljuanico9181]

Thank you so much for this tutorial. I had no idea what was happening to my prints and I wasted so much paper trying to figure it out. You are my hero!!!!

[@DIYAlex]

I’m so glad I could help!

[@lizsosa203]

How can I print the page you did?

[@DIYAlex]

Google “printer purge file” and download one to use. It should have the same 4 rectangles using all the colors that your printer has.

[@missburroughs]

Out of all the videos on here about this topic, only one that worked! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!! God bless you!!!!!

[@jetzycabrera8229]

So grateful I found this video. Last night I decided to convert my Ecotank 2850 and I had this issue, but after watching many videos I found this one and I just want to say .. Thank you very much. I fixed the problem and I'm so very happy, my printer works perfect, I'm so in love with the t-shirt I created watching the others videos about sublimation you have posted.

[@DIYAlex]

Great to hear! ☺️ I’m glad you got it working!

[@LisaSandlerMSW]

Thank you for this tutorial! We were starting a project and the printer just stopped printing. We were afraid we were going to have to get a new printer. Following the steps for the Power Cleaning did the trick! Saved the day and the project! Thank you!!!

[@DIYAlex]

Yay I’m so glad to hear that! You’re welcome!

[@jenns.4187]

I recently converted an Epson and it literally took about 30 tries of the print head cleansing cycle to get it to work without printing lines. I started looking up the power cleaning process and it’s really not something you want to do unless it’s absolutely necessary because it uses a lot of ink and there is a KZbin video showing what happens to various components of the printer when you run it which I think is great information to see/know. I also realized that if I don’t print within a week that the printer disconnects from the network and I have to take time to reconnect everything so after watching this I’ll definitely print a few times each week!

[@DIYAlex]

Yes, you definitely want to avoid any extra print head cleanings or power head cleanings if you can! Regular printing is a much better plan for your printer. I hope it works well for you!

[@timg5411]

Did it finally work after 30 trys?

[@jenns.4187]

@timg5411 yes! It was a true test of patience, for sure.

[@stanceworks7995]

Does the regular printing need to be a large file? Say if I don't need any sublimation prints, and I just need to run the printer to stop it from clogging. Can I print a small size image?. Also how long can sublimation prints last once printed? Do I need to use it immediately?

[@jenns.4187]

@@stanceworks7995 I'm not sure but I don't think so. I normally just choose an image and print it out on regular paper so I don't waste my sublimation paper and so far, it's been okay!

[@keturahmcgehee-yi2gi]

thank you so much for all the help, i was waisting so much paper trying to figure out my problem and i’m so glad i found this video!

[@DIYAlex]

Glad I could help!

[@sylviarobinson1106]

A huge thank you from the UK after 2 months my printer is now working xxx

[@kitzandkabootles]

Thank you so much. I tried to print..... and got nothing.... I mean nothing. Did 2 power cleans and all heads are back up and running. Thank god. I don't use sublimation a ton and had a mild panic when nothing came out of my printer. You saved me. !!!!

[@DIYAlex]

Glad it helped!! ☺️

[@Limitless_2410]

Let me try this because nothing at all is coming out of my printer 😮‍💨

[@cathymcmillian7584]

I tried this method after my printer sat for about 5 to 6 months in storage. It worked like a charm. I had bought another printer and I hadn’t opened it yet. I was able to unclog my old printer so I returned the new printer and got my money back.❤

[@DIYAlex]

Great to hear! I’m so glad it worked for you!

[@elainemander815]

Thank you so so much! After watching other tutorials I wasn't relishing the idea of messing about with the printer and ink tank, etc. Then I came across your video and thought I'd give it a go first as it seemed easier, and if I'm honest.....too easy! But it worked!! The Printer Purge Sheet has printed perfectly! Amazing. I'll certainly remember this for the future. Thanks again x

[@DIYAlex]

I’m so glad you thought it was easy! I was intimidated at first too.

[@itsjustg1787]

OMG! I wish I could like this video 1000 times over!! Thank you so much!

[@DIYAlex]

You are so welcome! I’m so glad it helped!

[@michellesinnamon9667]

Thankyou this helped me out so much as my yellow was completely clogged and is now fixed thanks to watching your video

[@whitneyfoster9955]

Thank you so much for this tutorial. I was stressing when my prints started coming out in green and yellow. This fixed my issue.

[@DIYAlex]

Glad it helped!

[@joyscranfield5527]

THANK YOU ALEX!! This video could be an absolute lifesaver for me. Hopefully, I'll never have to refer back to it!

[@DIYAlex]

I hope you don’t either! But it’s here in case you need it!

[@katarango7122]

Getting ready to try this now! Thanks so much for the video! You’re a rockstar! I have a converted 6400 and it has started giving me troubles.

[@DIYAlex]

Glad I could help!

[@johngleason8013]

Thank you for your help got it all straightened out thanks again Have a wonderful day.

[@rosariolareyna2950]

You honestly just saved me from having a freak out break down haha i was so scared my printer was ruined thank you so much for this video

[@DIYAlex]

You’re so welcome!

[@traceybradshaw6558]

Thank you, your help and advice saved my et-4760 !!

[@DIYAlex]

Great to hear!

[@LynnMinnelli]

It worked! Thank you for saving my printer!

[@traceytaylor484]

I just bought an EcoTank 4700 and converting it to sublimation. In getting it set up I can't get the black to work right. So I turned to KZbin and found this video! I am running the power clean now, and hopefully that does the trick! Thanks!!

[@DIYAlex]

You’re welcome!

[@amygathercole4078]

It's half way through the full print head cleanunf, thank you for the advice. Its a Epson ET 2750 i am trting this on, so fingers crossed

[@camilaguiyierrez]

AWSOME VIDEO did you upload the printer purge file very helpful thanks

[@DIYAlex]

You can find them free in Google!

[@veronicapedroza4172]

Thank you so much! You are the best. It worked only with the head cleaning.

[@Dee_B23]

Alex, thank you so very much for making this tutorial. I've had couple of issues with two colors. I will do a Power clean to see that corrects it. I updated my Epson Printer twice and will no longer do that. Again, thank you! See ya next week! 💕💕💕💕💕😘

[@DIYAlex]

Glad it helped! See you next week!

[@janelcoleman8035]

Thank you for making this video!!! I was starting to lose hope but this fixed the problem. Thank you ❤

[@DIYAlex]

You're so welcome!

[@philbuckley3461]

OMGOSH🙆‍♀️I need to do this!! Thank you so much Alex, you're just a peach 🤗💕

[@DIYAlex]

You're so welcome! I learned my lesson about printing the hard way!

[@fatimarazon8407]

Alex!!!! Using your steps to fix my printer at the moment.

[@DIYAlex]

So glad it’s helpful!

[@fatimarazon8407]

@@DIYAlex so helpful! I got it to unclog without the power clean!

[@mr.mycity313]

Haven't been able to use mine for months... Gonna try this tomorrow, fingers crossed...

[@DIYAlex]

I hope it works for you!

[@flohillrennie]

Yes I use a converted epson. Thank you will try this.

[@grantgrow]

With my Epson printer, i saw another reply on a different site. I did the printhead cleaning, but it didn't work well.The comment said she opened the tank area, using a drinking straw, she blew into the top of the tank's ink inlet. I did that, and now I have all colors restored. Mine is the ET-2670

[@DIYAlex]

Wow, that’s a great tip I haven’t heard before! Thanks for sharing!!

[@rebeccamuehl2183]

Thank you so much for this video. My printer is clogged. Printing just black. Gonna try this now.

[@DIYAlex]

You’re welcome!

[@hollyvillwock6756]

I got a new printer to replace mine but have not set it up yet. I have done the print head cleaning several times and it has not helped so I will try the power cleaning. Thank you so much for this. The weird thing is mine quit working during a time that I was printing multiple things daily?

[@DIYAlex]

Yeah, the clogs can't always be avoided because the sublimation ink isn't meant to be used in these printers. So regular printing doesn't always help, but it's the best method of prevention that we have!

[@nancyfoster1962]

Just got me the ET-2400 from WalMart's Black Friday now just waiting for the ink and paper to get here.... I have another Epson that I use for regular printing that I need to try this on.... Thank You

[@DIYAlex]

You're so welcome!

[@lucierosescalia1224]

I did learn a lot from your video I have a Epson et-2760 printer.

[@DIYAlex]

I’m so glad I could help!

[@TheTac2012]

I could have used this tutorial a couple of weeks ago. The same thing happened to me. I did get it working again.

[@DIYAlex]

I'm glad you got it working again! It's definitely a learning experience!

[@sarahseid5674]

thank you for looking out for us. I so appreciate this tutorial ❤

[@DIYAlex]

You are so welcome! I knew it would help all of you because the first time this happened to me (and this time too) I PANICKED! lol

[@alliwatson3069]

Im trying this wish me luck. Ive never done a power cleaning only the head cleaning and nozzle checks and of coyrse alignments. I run into the issue of the lines and streaks through my designs often. So im hoping this works as i have projects i need done quickly 😅 ill update tomorrow 😊

[@DIYAlex]

Can’t wait to hear how it goes!!

[@lizsosa203]

I converted my epson 15000 is clogged I am doing what you did. I hoped work. Thank you😊

[@DIYAlex]

I hope it works for you too!! Best of luck!

[@ronniea.4830]

Hello, I have discontinued Wokok ink filled in my eco tank , now no longer available to buy can I put a different kind or I have to clean the wokok out before putting a new brand.

[@DIYAlex]

I haven't tried mixing ink in my tanks so I'm not sure. Sorry!

[@aagg3311]

Hello! Mine is doing the same as yours but mine is also printing blotches of ink in one of the corners of the paper. What do I do please come to the rescue? Do you think the power cleaning would solve that issue as well?

[@DIYAlex]

I haven't experienced that before, so I'm not sure how to help. If it's not interfering with the design, can you just cut it off?

[@CraftingwithDelonda]

This is awesome!

[@DIYAlex]

Thanks Delonda!

[@terrybarnhill5897]

when you test the print head cleaning you use reg printer paper?

[@DIYAlex]

Yes! No need to waste sublimation paper.

[@margaritaperez7944]

I read somewhere about some pads on the printer getting full. Do you know about this?

[@DIYAlex]

I haven't heard about that. Sorry!

[@dianestigen1675]

the waste ink dump tank which fills up when do to many cleanings, especially power cleaning! @@DIYAlex

[@dalesparkes5988]

I use one. This is so helpful. Thank you!

[@SnOw3005]

Thank you so much for this video. 😃

[@nicolamoseley4068]

Hi there I'm new to all this so sorry for any daft questions but where can I find the print purge file?

[@DIYAlex]

Not a silly question at all! If you Google it you can find a free one ☺️

[@heatherrichards7741]

Thanks for your video. I have an Epson ET 2650 converted for sublimation.

[@DIYAlex]

Glad I could help!

[@Indpendnt27]

Thank you, Alex! ❤

[@janenelengert188]

I have an Epson ET-2760 and I've tried the print head cleaning as well as the power clean and it's still giving me little white dotted lines, as well as the occasional ink splotch. I'm stuck and can't find anything online to help. Any suggestions? Your videos are awesome btw, I just stumbled upon them and really enjoy how easily and clearly you explain things!

[@DIYAlex]

Your printer can’t print white, so those lines are probably from something dragging across your ink in your printer. You may want to look up “pizza wheel lines”. That’s not something I have dealt with, but hopefully that gives you a starting point! Yay, I’m so glad my videos help! I’m so glad we crossed paths via KZbin ☺️

[@janenelengert188]

@@DIYAlex THAT WORKED!!! Thank you SO much!!! I googled pizza wheel and found out the settings were still off a bit - I had to slow my printer down, both by changing the settings from premium matte to glossy photo so it allows more time for the ink to dry. There is also a setting under printer settings (not maintenance) that allowed me to lengthen the ink dry time. I'm sooooo happy this worked!

[@alexiselizondo4527]

Just purchased an ET2800 yesterday and when printing the printer purge sheet there are white horizontal lines going through😭 Any idea how to fix?

[@DIYAlex]

This whole video talks about how to fix that :)

[@user-kl1pm2ip8z]

What is best, 4 color or 6 color tank? What is the difference in result for sublimation?

[@DIYAlex]

I haven't tried anything but the 4 tank so I'm not sure. Sorry!

[@margaritaperez7944]

Ive done two power cleaning s and it did not work. Any advise?

[@DIYAlex]

I don't have any other advice. Sorry! It may not be able to be saved.

[@craftingsisters2]

After power clean, leave printer on or off for the 12 hours?

[@DIYAlex]

Leave it on.

[@joallison1034]

Hi my nozzle check is not missing anything but...all my colors are very light... do you know how to fix that? I have done so may print head cleanings. I have been working on it for DAYS! I am ready to trash the printer. thank you if you know

[@DIYAlex]

That's normal with a sublimation printer! The real test is to press the colors onto polyester fabric and see if they are bright. There probably isn't anything wrong with your printer!

[@courtneywebster5767]

Need help! I did the purge waited, printed a purge page after a few hours of completion. All colors worked but now all my prints are all grainy! Not what they use to be. I’ve done a head cleaning and multiple nozzle checks still all grainy and very light in color. What can I do to save this printer?

[@courtneywebster5767]

Power clean not purge*

[@DIYAlex]

I haven't had that issue so I'm not sure. Sorry!

[@feayaneeclinecline4335]

So can I do this to a epson 7720 as well

[@DIYAlex]

Yes

[@vaangel77]

Omg this saved my sanity!!!!

[@terrybarnhill8451]

Is the reg printer paper for testing?

[@DIYAlex]

Yes! When printing print head alignments and purge files, regular paper is fine to use so you don't waste sublimation paper!

[@maryscraftycorner]

Thank you I just did my power clean hopefully it works. 😅

[@DIYAlex]

I hope it works for you!

[@dariscanelas27]

Ho my God I was going crazy doing mugs only in red and black. I will try this and I hope it fixes my printer

[@heidifris4880]

Thank you so much!!!

[@charlenecarmichael4588]

I have the same printer and my green is printng blue. I did all the cleaning and it's still is blue. Any suggestions

[@DIYAlex]

Try tweaking your print settings and/or printing from a different program to get more accurate colors.

[@judywoods8424]

I have a new Epson printer. Following your tutorial, I Strait ended out the paper error but even though I put print in black and white, it wants to print in color!!!

[@DIYAlex]

I haven’t dealt with that so I’m not sure how to help. Sorry!

[@judywoods8424]

Thanks anyway. It's new so maybe I'm doing something wrong. Probably a simple fix.

[@shannonwelch4014]

My ink was only printing blk and very faintly. I followed your instructions now ill try to print in 12 hrs. I'm so frustrated. Hope this fixes it. Wish me luck lol

[@darrinwu2817]

Did it work?

[@daniellelawrence1060]

Fingers crossed, trying this on my printer! All are clogged. What happens when you go on vacation and your not able to do the weekly or daily printing

[@DIYAlex]

You'll just have to hope for the best! They don't always clog, so maybe you'll get lucky!

[@daniellelawrence9290]

@@DIYAlex It worked! Thanks so much for the information. I was ready to throw it out and purchase a new one. You saved the day. 🙂

[@Hazeleyez90241]

Yes i use an et 2760 and sadly none of these processes worked. Ive done power cleaning 3 times and ive dozens of print head cleanings and nozzle checks as well as sucked out ink from tubes. And use the liquid nozzle cleaner. Nothing. Black and cyan will not print and others have lines. Im assuming printer is beyond saving at this point

[@DIYAlex]

It sounds like it probably is beyond saving. Sorry it didn’t work for your printer!

[@alannajohnson2762]

It's like we are on the same brain wave. This happened to me this weekend. I was only getting yellow. Did the power clean and then printed the purge this morning. Looks like we are back in business but I am getting lines in the black so I will go back and rerun to try to clean the black. Thank you!!!!

[@DIYAlex]

Make sure your quality is turned up, and maybe try printing some all black images instead of more print head cleanings to avoid too many of them. I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@maritzalopez725]

How you set the quality up? I can’t find how to do that on my settings.

[@deshantebraggs332]

@@DIYAlex I was having the same problem with lines in the black but how do you turn the quality up?

[@MZfavorz]

I tried exactly your video, unfortunately I print the printer purge sheet still empty cyan. 😢

[@DIYAlex]

Unfortunately this doesn’t always fix it. Your printer may be finished 😕. Sorry friend!

[@meuyrobbins9681]

Hi Alex, I don't think my printer is clogged. I printed a purge sheet and did a nozzle cleaning. My red is still printing orange.

[@DIYAlex]

Try tweaking your printer settings instead.

[@suewade3970]

My ink is full do I have to empty the tanks??

[@DIYAlex]

No, no need to empty your tanks!

[@sharonrudesal414]

How do you do the printer purge file ?

[@DIYAlex]

Search Google to find one. Then you can download it and print it.

[@dianahowe3876]

What's the difference from sublation printer and regular printer

[@jenns.4187]

Sublimation printing uses special inks that can be heat pressed on to items with a high polyester content or polyester coating like coasters, sublimation bookmarks, etc. The heat turns the ink into a gas that sublimates or binds to the fabric so it won’t fade or peel unlike heat transfer vinyl.

[@DIYAlex]

So this is a regular inkjet printer that I "converted" to sublimation by adding sublimation ink before I turned it on. That's why the maintenance is a little bit different because the type of ink in the printer is not what the printer was originally made to work with.

[@shay344344]

thanks

[@billiebryant6193]

how do I get to purge file?

[@DIYAlex]

Google “printer purge file” and download one ☺️

[@sharongarverick6541]

I have done every step & it is still not printing. What is my next? Help

[@Ari_gatcha_gamergirl]

when i print my magenta it has lines

[@LJ-qc4om]

What will happen if I put accidentally a little bit of pigment ink to my sublimation printer?

[@DIYAlex]

I’ve never run into that so I’m not sure. Sorry!

[@Tessiefaye]

This happened to me because I didn't use it or turn it on for about 9 months and when I did 2 clogged nozzle I wasted so much ink and paper. I cleaned heads at. least 50 times nozzle at least 50 times. I wish that I had known about this. I needed up throwing it away. I ordered a sawgrass hopefully no more clogs. I just couldn't.

[@DIYAlex]

Even the power cleaning doesn’t always help, but a Sawgrass is a solid choice!

[@philbuckley3461]

Hi Alex Hope you and your lil family are well. So here I am a year later and I'm back with a clogged printer

[@DIYAlex]

Welcome back! Hopefully this helps you unclog your printer!

[@mg8720-u7j]

Epsons are notorious for clogging and i dont even know that they are desighed for sub ink. (aftermarket ink is often not compatible with the printhead)

[@DIYAlex]

They aren't designed for sub ink. This is a cost effective hack, but it sometimes causes this issue.

[@nurseaprn97]

How do you do a printer purge file.

[@DIYAlex]

Just find a printer purge file on Google and print it.

[@sandykoch7219]

Thank you ! I use a epson turned sublimation and this really helped.

[@DIYAlex]

Glad it helped!

[@kyleepetersen1474]

Please help someone. I have a converted epson that is giving me trouble. It seems when ever I top the ink up I get clogs. My major issue is when I use my HTV ront sub paper I get black ink all over the sides of the paper and the top. Which then ruins the image. Please can anyone help?

[@DIYAlex]

If you are noticing issues with specific brands of paper, I would try another brand.

[@lolalineyc4331]

What happens if the INK is dried up, how to fix that?

[@DIYAlex]

I don’t think you can fix it once the ink is dried in the tanks.

[@nicolehowell6221]

Do you have any advice if my printer wont print any ink at all? I havent used it in a couple weeks (i know bad crafter over here) but I'm not sure how to fix it now!

[@DIYAlex]

I would try the power clean I showed in this video.

[@joannreed3168]

I have a Epson et2400

[@nurseaprn97]

What about lines running vertical…

[@DIYAlex]

Look up “pizza wheel lines” and see if that looks like your issue.

[@sherylshahan5593]

I have an epson converted to sublimation so this video is very helpful! Now I need a video about pizza wheel marks 😳. I feel like I am having to clean the rollers so much lately and I have the printer set to longest dry time.

[@DIYAlex]

I have heard of that issue but I haven’t had that issue myself!! If I come across it I’ll record it for you guys!

[@mg8720-u7j]

Wait 12 hours for the printhead nozzles to clog even worse!

[@DIYAlex]

In my experience it works just fine to leave it for 12 hours or longer.

[@mg8720-u7j]

ok.@@DIYAlex

[@user-lr5cx1ni4r]

Power cleaning should be a very last resort because it shortens the life of your printer.

[@DIYAlex]

Right, but when your colors aren't printing, I'm not aware of another step after a print head cleaning to try to get your colors going again. I would love to hear a suggestion if you have one!

[@jessika9475]

Thank you for this amazing video !! I was having a problem with my Epson 2760 ink tank and with your help, everything is working perfect !! I can't tell you enough how appreciative I am for you great information !!!🥰 debro 05

[@DIYAlex]

YAY!! I’m so glad to hear that! 🎉🎉🎉