This is It, the Last Chapter on the Epson ET8550 - including my final conclusions

[@krishansharma.47]

Just subscribed for the ET8550 printer coverage. My god! Your videos on this printer are THE BEST. I bought this printer a week ago and absolutely crushed to find the roller indentations on the glossy paper. I've tried 160gsm to 280gsm, all have this issue. Tried every setting, nothing works. I hope one day you come up a solution. Please let us know what Epson people say about this issue, if you contact them about how to fix this on glossy paper. Also please don't stop the coverage on this printer about quality settings, tips for better prints, printer issues, etc. I'll keep you posted with my further tests and possible solutions regarding the roller lines issue.

[@jagosart]

Thank you very much, I’m so glad the videos were useful. It is disappointing but I am determined to find a way around it if I can so I will definitely report back. I have bought some more sample papers/cardstock so I’ll see if the paper manufacturer makes any difference. Best of luck finishing a solution yourself and yes please, let me know if you discover one :-)

[@anulearntech]

there's supposedly a firmware update to fix this and from the comments it seems to work. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3fQdGV4nK6dZrs

[@Grazysailor]

@@jagosartI saw a video with an indept review, and the guy advised to slightly dampen your paper and feed it through, this will clean the rollers ……donn’t know if you’ve tried it already, but haven’t seen all your video’s yet..

[@jagosart]

@Grazysailor I haven’t tried that, thank you :-)

[@passby8070]

I had roller marks before, but you can fix it by using "paper guide cleaning" in settings. I had the printer for 2 years still using the original set of ink, it has done 2200+ of print and still amazing...

[@jagosart]

Thank you, I will give that a try :-)

[@pastaramen9596]

​@@jagosartDid that work for you?

[@phildarcy7647]

I'm loving my ET-8550. There is a firmware update that Keith Cooper recommends. I'm mostly using 300gsm.

[@AltimaNEO]

He hadnt personally tested it though. He just mentioned the firmware is out there.

[@thierryhoornaert9950]

Hi. Good videos and thank you for the research! Keith Cooper's best advice in general: always start with the manufacturer's own paper, because they heavily tested it with their own paper. I have to say I didn't print cards yet.

[@jagosart]

Thank you, yes I will get some Epson paper and see how it differs :-)

[@Tooclosetothetruth]

Why are you making everything so confusing? In your last video you took the back off and showed how it could go straight through!!! Why don't you just put it straight through the back? You are pretty bizarre! Making a right mockery of this review, the more you go on the more the word 'crank' comes to mind.

[@jackspost6167]

⁠@@Tooclosetothetruth Rude! I found it all very helpful. Thank you for persevering and saving me the trouble.

[@frankcln]

Thanks for your educational videos on this printer. I've learnt a lot about it and i am still planning to buy for home printing and Photobook making.

[@anulearntech]

there is a firmware update apparently that fixes this issue. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3fQdGV4nK6dZrs

[@print-master]

darling for what it's worth, there were roller marks, pin wheel marks, track marks, call 'em what you like on my prints from the et8550. Then I splashed out and bought epson premium gloss and Permajet smooth gloss 280 gsm paper and no marks at all. Even when held at an angle in bright light there are no marks. Plus permajet has all the profiles for the ET8550 so the colours are the closest to my screen colours I'm ever likely to get. Anyway the point is as someone else said on YT, cheap unbranded paper with out profiles gives disappointing results. Thanks for a great video , you are so talented .

[@metalmick99]

Given that I am interested in this printer, I did a fair bit of hunting around for information and found Keith Cooper at Northlight Images - he also has a YT channel. He has made an extensive series of videos on this printer, and also written many articles on it. He has also quite successfully printed/made cards on it. His work is an informative, valuable, professional, and authoritative resource and I would encourage any and all prospective purchasers/users of this printer to access his work. In his initial setup clip of this printer, for example, he shows that to use the rear feed slot, removal of the duplexing unit is necessary. In one of his clips, he mentions that any issues - such as roller-marks - ought to be tested using Epson stock and if the issue persists to then contact Epson.

[@jagosart]

Thanks for the comment, you are right. As I said, I’d discovered an Epson site where Epson do say that thicker card of 300gsm should go through the back of the printer, it’s just unfortunate that printing this way leaves a 20mm gap but it is what it is, it just means finding a workaround. I was just spoiled with my old Epson printer which printed really well on all the paper and card I’ve used. However, I have no regrets with regards the print quality from this printer, it is fantastic

[@ianhughes5090]

Hi Justine Just like to say thank you for sharing your thoughts and findings with the Epson ET8550. I came across all your videos talking about this printer that you purchase and having issues with rollers marks and Iv watch these videos you shared a few times now as I been looking for a new epson printer. After all my research I almost purchase this same printer but could not cross the line with the issues you and others faced so instead I purchase the Epson SC P700 and as iv only had the P700 less that 24 hrs the only print I done is to test the 300gsm capability and have to say WOW! amazing..... So thank you once again for sharing your thoughts and I hope you find a solution to the roller marks.....

[@esperlueteaml5906]

Hello, thank you for all these videos. I plan to purchase this printer. Can you tell me the reference of the pm apier used for the images you showed

[@Abdullah-jp7ef]

Its in printer settings. If you switch it on it will lift the printer head and then you can print it easy. If you do not switch it on then printer head will make a sound also because you are using thicker paper. So to stop the paper rubbing the printer head switch it on.

[@jagosart]

Thank you :-)

[@intoart340]

It would be great if you would identify which paper brand is giving what result. A link to buy it would help also;

[@MM-pv6jj]

Hi, the et8550 has a rear feed flat input tray and takes very thick card. It’s a bit fiddly to use but if you go see videos by Kieth Cooper, he shows how to set it up and print. He has a few reviews on the ET8500 so I’m not sure which video it’s in, so have a look. His videos are really good. I hope this helps. (He reviews quite a few epson printers as well as lots of f other great info. Cheers M

[@PC1963PC]

If you'd watched her earlier video that whole process was tried, how it works etc, but it seemed a bit of a faff

[@zonk2k4]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3iUmHyYqN6Ae8k ET-8550 rear paper feed

[@MM-pv6jj]

Ah, missed that one

[@jagosart]

Thanks for leaving the comment, it’s much appreciated. I’ve got white good at using the rear feed tray at the back of the machine now, it’s just unfortunate that it leaves the 20mm margin when printing but I’m sure I’ll come up with a workaround eventually :-)

[@davidord2934]

I'm not sure how helpful this would be, but I have had an ET8550 for a while and the upgraded firmware did improve the roller marks. However, on thin photo paper I've found that the marks (which can look quite bad when on the right incident to the light, actually go away after about a week. I did one photo on Epson A3 paper, which was perfect, and another on some thinner paper I got ages ago which looked like I'd dragged a rake over it. those marks have now gone. Card might be different, but perhaps you still have some of the damaged items you did for this and can check to see if the marks are still there?

[@jagosart]

That’s interesting. I didn’t have an update available when I checked so maybe it’s still rolling out. ‘Dragged a rake over it’ is funny, isn’t it strange that the thinner paper can look like that. I do still have the ones I printed so I’ll take a look and see if the marks have disappeared. I am going to try some better brand sample packs I’ve bought to see if it was just the paper I used so I’ll report back if there’s anything interesting to say on that basis. Thank you :-)

[@donnaw5332]

Are you still getting the roller marks? Im after a new printer and hoping for an ecotank but needs to take 300gsm without leaving marks - thank you

[@TheSecretScreenwriter]

Same keen to know

[@makiriveros580]

Thank you so much for looking into this, very helpful

[@AnthonyDooley]

Almost wonder if you keep feeding some real heavy paper, maybe the the rollers will eventually budge enough so that your desired paper comes through just fine. Sorry to see this happened. I was really hoping it would work out for you (and for me!).

[@ZoeCharis]

thank you for your diligence!

[@MrMick560]

Hi, I saw somewhere on youtube a video saying to remove the rollers on this printer, maybe worth a try ?

[@JP-qb6mp]

Hello, did you manage to sort the issue with the roller marks ?If so, please let me know what did you do to get it resolved? I only bought it recently and have the same issue, I am not using Epson photo paper ,is this the issue or theres anything else I should set up within printer settings? Many thanks

[@mb-moose]

Good luck with this, and thank you for sharing so honestly. I supposexwexall want the impossible....a p700/p900 with a ecotank system? Anyway, good luck, xx

[@jagosart]

Wouldn’t that be brilliant, I think we’d all be in the queue for one of those :-) Thank you

[@juliemaginn8573]

Thank you so much. I'm gutted as this was the printer I had settled on but I do only use 300gsm card 😭 Out of interest have you tried matt card and does it still leave marks? I'm back to square one now with no idea which printer to get.

[@jagosart]

Hi Julie, yes I have used matte card but the roller marks are still there on the 300gsm. The paper/card I use for my art prints which is 230gsm prints fine. I have now bought some more samples from the same supplier I get my art print paper/card from, of various thicknesses so if I have any luck with those I will let you know. It might be worth checking out some other videos from crafters etc that own the machine if you can find some, and use it for card making, if you haven’t already that is, just to rule out the possibility that it’s just my printer. Apart from the roller mark issue, it’s a great printer which is so frustrating!! I am going to get in touch with Epson just to be sure it’s not a fault on mine alone and again I’ll let you know if I hear back :-)

[@Zyswest]

@@jagosarti am having this exact same issue, and i am deeply invested in hearing your updates!! i also have extensive paper testing i can share info of. i’m using an ET-8500

[@deanroslynmengel5575]

Aren't you supposed to feed thick card through the back?

[@white.lodge.dale.cooper]

Yep. That's the only way paper thicker than "regular" printer paper should be fed.

[@swansong007]

I am just thinking out loud here. Have you checked the papers thoroughly before they go into the printer. Could it be a manufacturing defect.

[@tombarnard184]

Why not print using the back feeder with straight through path to try avoiding the roller marks?

[@johnnymaniscalco5228]

I just got my 8550 and the rear vertical feeder will not feed paper. The front 8.5 x 11 prints and feeds perfectly. Just the rear feed. It isn't a jam just paper doesn't go down into the printer. I am using hippo sublimation ink and 11 x 17 sublimation paper. Any idea what is going on? Thanks.

[@davewheeler3459]

May sound frivolous or may be impractical but how about avoiding any printer fix and putting the table on casters?

[@Alexios13]

Got the same marks on the et 2850…. Probably an epson issue because when using my HP with the same paper I don’t get them.

[@ChrisWilliams-vm1do]

Have you had any issues with ink delivery to the print heads or clogging?

[@grahamhusbands7654]

New firmware is now available that addresses this problem.

[@jagosart]

I have looked for new firmware but currently my printer is up to date but I will keep checking, thank you :-)

[@chantalangel]

Yes I've seen it to, but it could roll out at different dates per Country. I also saw somewhere that with thicker papers you should not use the back loading but the paper drawer instead.

[@sonnycorbi1970]

Have you tried EPSON 300, paper or just EPSON paper? I know you said in the last tutorial, "You feel like you should be able to use any brand", (or words to that effect) - however, EPSON is saving us a good bit of money on the tank system and not having to stockpile a bunch of pricy cartridges - just an observation - I'll try to limit these type of comments - I am new at this - THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!

[@Gabriel-rr5vb]

Thank you.

[@magic1nds]

had 4 of these printers now an none are working so had to send it back and get refunds was also lied to by eposn customer services and now escalated to head departments I'm totally anoyed and frustrated at how bad these marks are and epson replaced my brand new one with 2 second hand units that was scratched and Used.. I'm so frustrated. as on face value it looks great but in certain lighting or angles you can see lines everywhere. i tried loads of methods to try and solve it from head cleanings to guide cleaning to thick paper settings none worked now I'm without a printer and I don't know what to do or go for now at all .. maybe cannon pro 200, 300 or 1000 such a shame as I love the ecotank system . cant belive there ain't a solution for this after a year or a recall to fix said issues and no advice from epson on how to fix the issue.. such a crying shame I feel your pain thanks for the videos though

[@grahamhusbands7654]

Hi, there was a firmware update number. I will have a look tonight and let you know what it is . I have been looking for a new printer and was undecided which to buy, the 8550 or the P700. Decider on the 8550 until I discovered the problems with printing on thicker photo paper. Also read somewhere that the roller marks fade after a short while.

[@jagosart]

Thanks for seeking out the firmware Graham. I have just had someone comment to say I should use the paper support, which admittedly I don’t often do unless I’m using A3 paper, but I’ll try it with the A4 tomorrow and see if it makes a difference. Have a look through some of the comments because it seems other people have had luck with thicker cardstock, specifically seeded paper and cotton rag has been mentioned so maybe I’ve just been unlucky with what I’ve been using! However, the Epson information I found online did suggest 300 and above should be fed through the back of the machine. I will say though that the print quality is very good in my opinion and I’m certainly not disappointed with that! It would definitely be worth looking at other peoples experience with this printer as I am very much a novice really who was just sharing my experience but if other people have had more joy with thicker cardstock then I’ve had, I’d hate to sway you away from the printer just based on my experience. I hope that makes sense and thanks again

[@dummatube]

The problem is the incorrect sharp angle of the thick media feed because the printer is shoved up against the wall! Watch the next video. PS buy a P900 and do fine art pigment prints up to A2. That’s what I and everyone else ends up with anyway!!!

[@jagosart]

@@dummatube I’d narrowed it down to the et 8550 and the P900 when looking for a printer and almost went for the P900 after having had the P600 but obviously went with the other option. Next time though :-)

[@pvandck]

I know people who've resolved the roller marks issue by using the back paper feed, not the top feed.It's for thicker materials and long lengths. You have to take the back of the printer off and feed the paper manually straight through. Edit: I see others have already mentioned this.

[@grahamhusbands7654]

The firmware update is OP11N4 , might be worth lookin at.

[@jagosart]

Thank you very much, I will have a look :-)

[@eddyhaze8239]

just did my first photo paper 13x19 roller dents all through it , update.... photo paper 8.50 x 11.00 through front roller marks ... looks like I got a bad printer , I could try the back but don't want too it's to much of a hassle

[@jagosart]

Oh no!! It’s nice knowing I’m not the only one but disappointing for you. Let me know if you found a solution.

[@eddyhaze8239]

@@jagosart looks like it was the paper I changed to better paper and no more problem

[@Zyswest]

@@eddyhaze8239which paper???

[@eddyhaze8239]

@@Zyswest Koala 13x19 inkjet glossy photo paper did not work with this printer ..I also tried some other paper that did not work not sure what it was it was given to me to try it was older paper,.. epson ultra photo paper glossy 8.5 works and looks great, epson presentation paper Matte 13x19 no wheel marks but hate it really thin looks wavy were the ink was laid . A-sub glossy 66LB photo paper 13x19 looks and works great

[@dummatube]

GSM is the weight of the paper: Grams per Square Meter - NOT the exact thickness! Light cotton paper is thicker per sq m than heavy resin coated coated. Also you should only sell ‘fine art’ prints if they are made on PH neutral substrates that have no optical brighteners and are printed with archival pigments - not dyes like your printer uses.

[@jagosart]

Yes I’m aware of that. I used to have the sc P600 which was of course archival but even then I never described my prints as ‘fine art’ and I’ve never sold them as such but thanks for pointing it out anyway!

[@dummatube]

@@jagosart I specialise in studio high resolution artwork digitisation up to 2m sq and I retouch the signatures out so the artist’s can hand sign, title and number the limited edition textured cotton rag pigment prints I make (from A4 up to 1.5m x 2.5m). With the right printer you can offer the best, most profitable, solutions.

[@dummatube]

Why aren’t you pulling out the paper support in the top feeder? This sits at the correct angle for gentle feeding without forcing vertically fed paper hard up against the internals of the print head!!! Get a table so the printer is away from the wall and the rear feed support is at the correct angle!!!

[@jagosart]

I will try it with the paper support up tomorrow and see if it makes a difference. I do use the paper support when printing on A3 but admittedly, I don’t so much when printing on A4 but if it makes a difference then I will make sure to update the video. Thanks again

[@dummatube]

@@jagosart the thick paper setting moves the print head up and this is not your problem as those tracks are caused by pressure from plastic guides inside the feed channel because you are forcing the paper around a tight 90degree bend instead of it being lightly fed at the correct shallow angle through the print head cavity! Put the printer on the floor, pull the top feeder support plates all the way out and gently push them back to the correct feed angle.

[@jagosart]

@@dummatube that makes sense, thank you. I’m looking forward to trying that out tomorrow.

[@dummatube]

@@jagosart The 1500 printer has the same feed system so have a look at Keith Coopers video on heavy card printing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3ncaq2qadd8ldE

[@jagosart]

@@dummatube I will, thank you very much

[@print-master]

Use either Epson or permajet paper. I'm using permajet A3 smooth gloss 280 gsm with no marks. Before I used cheap gloss A3 255 gsm which had marks across the paper every inch and a quarter. Permajet 280 or epson , not a mark to be seen.

[@GeoffreyUrch]

There should be a Card setting

[@jagosart]

There is but unfortunately it didn’t resolve the issue .

[@soufianelbark241]

My friend, if the mark appears in the same place, put a light paper tape on the place, and after printing, remove it

[@jagosart]

That’s a great idea, thank you :-)

[@martatraverso4955]

Ciao devo cambiare la stampante, non mi consigli di prendere questa! Tra l’altro costa anche molto! Ti ringrazio molto e buona giornata 😊

[@barbarag7831]

I’m curious if you have heard from Epson about this. I really feel this is unacceptable, and they need to find a fix. I haven’t printed yet on thick paper, but that is one of the reasons I bought the machine. I do cards as well.

[@alansparks-zg2tz]

WHY DONT YOU TRY EPSON 300grm PAPERS. ????

[@josephweaving6458]

think people have had replacement printer

[@Toutoune833]

Thank you for This review. Je pense que ce n’est pas anodin qu’il y est des traces de rouleau sur des papiers d’autres marques que Epson… Cela serait un moyen d’obliger les gens à acheter du papier Epson… : Comme le problème avec les cartouches d’encre compatibles et les puces intégrées sur les cartouches de marque Epson.

[@certCrazyperson]

OK so I hope your problem have been solved, but you will not get rid of the marks because of the exit rollers and no software buttons will fix it, it can get better but will not go away. The only fix is a mod that will be toooooo long to text

[@barbwiredesigns2023]

Put the thick paper through the feeder at the back. Not on the top or in the draw. This print is designed for the thick paper to be fed through the rear.

[@someguyfromafrica5158]

Try feeding the thick paper from the back of the printer.

[@alanalan-mq8yw]

The thick paper setting just adjust the printer head distance from paper, not rollers, they are fixed, maybe there is a tension spring somewhere, others say if epson says 300mm then it should be without flaws, does anyone have 8550 without roller marks on 300mm, maybe return and try another, there is new 18100 but doesnt have rear feed and not sure how large paper, but better colors on glossy. I saw comment about a certain paper that the indents go away as paper recovers to original shape after 1-3 wks some say sooner, trying to remember name of paper maybe some baryista style name kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4G3pYx8jq96nZY

[@tetsuokin7380]

Sorry my tip didnt work, it seems to work for us, but then like you said it could be the different paper used... I personally use it to print my artwork out on 260gsm with no problems or marks, and as for cards.. We've switched a lot of our cards to seeded paper from manky Monkey and they go through the rear paper feeder with no problems... We've also started using seeded cards to make our own jewellery cards for earrings, necklaces, bracelets etc. and the quality is good enough for us. A lot of our original card designs were just printed on 6x4 or 7x5 260gsm photo paper and then mounted using double sided card mounting tape on pre folded cards that you buy online and we have sold a fair few of them.. Plus if they like they can always remove the photo and put it in a frame.. Can't wait to watch the next video from you regardless if it's a printer one or not.... Fellow crafters unite.....

[@jagosart]

Ha no apology needed, it was a great tip and thank you very much for it :-) I was wondering about just printing artwork normally and then attaching it to a card base, it would certainly be a solution and it’s good to hear that it works for you. I love seeded cards I saw some made by a local artist and they are a great idea. The very best of luck with your business and thanks very much again for the help! Let me know if you too have a KZbin channel :-)

[@Taras_Krug]

Hello! These lines are to blame for the paper feed mechanism, which leaves marks on the media from the rubber pinch rollers and gear wheels. Such marks most often appear when working with those paper media that slowly absorb ink - the teeth simply peel off the paint that has not had time to dry. You need to use suitable paper or turn off fast printing in the settings so that the paper has time to absorb the ink. Hope this helps you. Sorry for my English!

[@jagosart]

Thank you Taras and your English was very good :-) I have some new sample papers to try so fingers crossed :-)

[@Taras_Krug]

@@jagosart If all else fails, you can try the rear paper feed. Unfortunately, my old Canon MP640 printer is no longer repairable. I had to buy a new one. I chose Epson l8180 (analogue of ET8550 only for the European market). I hope it will be no worse than my old printer) I wish you creative success ;)

[@All-the-gear-no-idea-uk]

What success or not have you had with Epson own papers?

[@alanalan-mq8yw]

This video shows how to remove mini roll wheel, there are like 9-10 going across, and easy to pull some out that cause the problem and still have it feed fine heres the vid kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4G3pYx8jq96nZY

[@donovan7]

*Promo SM* 💃

[@jefawksspaghettorium]

1:20 that is a picture i drew, it's not a photograph xD love the disclaimer, was hard to tell tbh :D

[@jefawksspaghettorium]

btw at 3:58 you can swipe through the menu rather than pressing the buttons

[@dharmendraprasad17]

c'mon buy laser printer oki c834 color laser printer can take 300gsm card