How to Refill an Ink Cartridge for an Emerson 3800

By Nathaniel Miller

  • Overview

    The Epson 3800 is a inexpensive, compact photo printer that rivals some of its more expensive competitors in print quality and ease of use. And while there may be slight differences among photo printers today, one thing remains constant: the need of high quality ink. Ink is the most expensive continual purchase associated with using the Epson 3800 photo printer to print your pictures. However, buying ink doesn't have to break the bank if you know how to refill your own cartridges. Follow these simple steps to refill the cartridges in the Epson 3800 photo printer.
    The Epson 3800 color/photo printer ready for a new ink refill

    • Step 1

      Remove the ink cartridge from the printer by opening the printer access door and allowing the cartridge cradle to move to the access area. Open the cartridge cover and push down on the printer cartridge to release it from the cradle. Pull straight up out of the cradle to remove it from the printer. Turn it over and examine the ink jets on the bottom for dried ink.

    • Step 2

      Open one of the individually packaged alcohol swabs and use it to wipe the ink jets free of dried ink. Turn the cartridge over and use the drill supplied in the refill kit to make a small hole in the top of the cartridge, right next to the sticker. This is the reservoir access hole and it is where you insert the ink into the cartridge.

    • Step 3

      Fill the syringe with the recommended amount of ink. These amounts are noted on a chart that comes with the refill kit. Insert the needle fully into the refill hole and depress the plunger to release ink into reservoir until the capacity is met. Remove the needle and rinse the syringe with water. Allow to air dry overnight.

    • Step 4

      Allow the cartridge to stand upright for a few hours before reinstalling it back in the printer. Drop the cartridge into the cartridge cradle and close the cartridge cover. Shut the access door and allow the Epson 3800 to balance out. Once the printer recognizes the newly filled cartridge, run "Clean and Align" under "Print properties" before printing anything.
    • Skill: Easy
    • Ingredients:
    • Ink cartridge refill kit
    • Alcohol swabs
    • Tip: Refill Epson 3800 cartridges when they are still 25 percent full to achieve the best print quality. This keeps the printer ink from drying on the ink jets.
    • Warning:
    • Do not force the ink into the reservoir too quickly because this could cause the ink to froth. It will also introduce air into the reservoir chamber.

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