For businesses and homeowners alike, nothing is more frustrating than rushing to print an important document only to discover you’re out of ink. You need to get a replacement cartridge in your printer fast.
But what ink does my printer use? This is one of the most common questions we see asked, so we decided to put together this detailed guide to help you find the perfect replacement.
If you still have the previous cartridge on hand, it’s just a matter of looking up the model number! You can also find the information through a quick printer model lookup on your manufacturer’s website.
We’ll cover everything from the different types of printer ink to helping you weigh your options for sourcing your replacement below. But on the off chance you have extra unused ink cartridges you don’t know what to do with, you’re in luck.
Here at Sell Toner, we have a unique toner reverse logistics program that allows you to sell printer ink for cash. In fact, you could earn up to $350 per cartridge! Learn more about how it works or what ink your printer uses today.
Understanding Printer Ink Types
To accurately choose the right ink for your printer it’s important to understand all the different options you have at your fingertips.
Differentiating Between Printer Ink and Toner
First, let’s make it clear that printer ink and toner are not interchangeable. As we discuss in our comparison of ink vs toner, these are used by very different types of printers.
So, what type of printer uses toner? This fine powder substance is used in laser printers and is known for its speed and efficiency. It’s the go-to choice for high-volume printing environments and is capable of producing remarkably sharp text and images in professional settings.
On the other hand, printer ink is a liquid substance used in inkjet printers. It still produces great quality and can work very quickly. It’s used in both residential and commercial settings.
For the sake of this article going forward, we’re going to assume you’re looking to find out what ink your printer uses – not toner. That being said, let’s now distinguish between some of the different types of inks you have at your disposal.
Dye-Based vs Pigment-Based Ink
At their core, printer inks can be characterized as one of two styles: dye or pigment-based.
A dye-based ink is made from colorants dissolved in liquid. They’re known for their ability to produce bright, vibrant colors, which makes them ideal for photo printing and images requiring a wide color gamut.
The dye particles are small and penetrate deeply into the paper, resulting in smooth, glossy prints. However, this ink type is more susceptible to fading over time, especially when exposed to light and moisture.
Pigment-based ink, on the other hand, contains solid color particles suspended in liquid. Unlike dye-based ink, the pigment particles sit on top of the paper rather than being absorbed.
This results in prints that are more resistant to fading and smudging, making pigment-based inks ideal for documents that need to last, such as archival materials, artwork, and professional reports.
While they may not offer the same vibrancy as dye-based inks, pigment-based inks provide greater durability and longevity. So as you start weighing your options, think about what matters more to you in your printing process.
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Ink
You’ll have two different options when sourcing printer ink – going with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) ink or a third-party alternative. While they more or less do the same thing, we recommend OEM for a few reasons.
First, OEM is engineered to the exact specifications of your printer, guaranteeing seamless operation and reducing the risk of issues like clogging or inconsistent print quality. This also leads to better print quality, whether you’re printing detailed images or sharp text.
But most importantly, using OEM ink often means your printer’s warranty remains valid. Many manufacturers recommend or even require the use of OEM cartridges to maintain warranty coverage.
Additionally, OEM inks come with the support of the printer manufacturer, providing peace of mind if you encounter any issues. Sure, the ink cartridge cost may be higher, but we believe it’s worth it!
What Ink Does My Printer Use? How to Identify the Right Ink for Your Printer
With a solid grasp of the different options at your disposal, it’s time to get to the question at hand – what ink does my printer use? There are a few different ways you can find out, but the best bet is going to be your printer’s user manual.
Check the Printer Manual
The printer manual usually comes in the box with your printer and will contain the exact requirements for compatible ink cartridges.
If you’ve misplaced it, most manufacturers offer digital copies on their websites. Simply search for your printer model followed by “manual” to find it.
Then, navigate to the section highlighting supplies or maintenance. Look for the part that lists the compatible ink cartridge numbers. This will often be presented as a series of numbers and letters, which you can match when purchasing replacement cartridges.
Locate the Model Number
If you don’t want to bother looking for the printer’s manual and you know with certainty the model number of your printer, you can run a quick search online.
Start by finding the model number if you haven’t already. It’s typically located on the front or top of your printer, often near the control panel or logo. It might also be found on a label at the back of the printer or inside the access door where the cartridges are installed.
Then, you can simply type in “printer ink for [printer model number]”. You’ll be met by a variety of options, just make sure you vet the source and confirm the accuracy of its recommendation.
Use Manufacturer Tools
When in doubt, use the manufacturer’s website to confirm the specific printer ink you need. Look for a section dedicated to supplies or cartridges. Many websites have a search tool where you can enter your printer model number or name to find compatible ink cartridges.
If you’re lucky, you might be able to purchase the replacement ink cartridge you need directly from this search! However, even if you are now confident in what ink your printer uses, we don’t suggest running to buy it just yet. We want to talk about a few other things to consider first.
More Factors to Consider When Choosing Printer Ink
There’s a bit more to the story than simply matching the cartridge to your printer model. Here’s what you need to take into account before ordering your replacement cartridge…
Printing Needs and Frequency
If you regularly print large volumes of documents, such as in an office setting, consider opting for high-yield cartridges. These contain more ink and can print more pages, reducing the frequency of cartridge changes and potentially lowering your overall cost per page.
On the other hand, if you don’t print often, standard cartridges will be just fine. Just note that you need to use your printer every so often to prevent the ink from drying out. We have tips on how to fix dry ink cartridge in our blog.
Cost vs Quality
We touched on this earlier, but exercise caution when considering third-party ink cartridges. We know the lower cost is compelling, but remember that you ultimately get what you pay for.
Not only could these void your warranty but you might not really be saving as much as you initially expected. High-yield OEM cartridges, though more expensive initially, often have a lower cost per page, making them more economical in the long run, especially for high-volume users.
Where to Buy Your Printer Ink
Now it’s just a matter of figuring out where to buy your printer ink. While straight from the manufacturer is a great option for ensuring authenticity, you can also find the right cartridge locally if you’re in a time crunch – Staples, Best Buy, Office Depot, Wal-Mart, and Target are all viable options.
You might get better pricing when shopping online, though, specifically at a store like Amazon or eBay. Just be sure to do your due diligence to avoid purchasing counterfeit cartridges being marked as OEM.
Quick Tips on Replacing Old Ink Cartridges to Get Back Up and Running
So you’ve got your new cartridge ordered – now you just need to know how to put ink in printer! Here are some quick tips, though we always suggest referring to your printer manual:
- Turn Off and Unplug the Printer: This prevents any electrical issues and ensures your safety during the process.
- Prepare the New Cartridge: Unbox the new cartridge and remove any protective tapes or covers. Be careful not to touch the copper-colored contacts or ink nozzles to avoid damaging the cartridge or affecting print quality.
- Remove the Old Cartridge: Open the printer’s access door, wait for the carriage to stop moving, and gently remove the old cartridge. Dispose of it properly by recycling if possible.
- Install the New Cartridge: Insert the new cartridge into the appropriate slot, pushing it in until it clicks into place. Ensure it’s securely installed to avoid errors.
- Run a Test Print: Close the printer’s access door, plug the printer back in, and turn it on. Run a test print to check that the new cartridge is functioning correctly and that the print quality meets your expectations.
We have more specific tips on how to change ink in HP printer, how to change the ink on an Epson printer, and how to change ink on Canon printer in our blog. You can also learn how to tell if an ink cartridge is empty, how to reset ink cartridge, or how to make printer ink last longer.
Final Thoughts on What Ink Your Printer Needs
So, what ink does my printer use? We hope this guide has left you with a clear understanding of how to find the perfect replacement cartridge for any printer. Check the manual, look up the model number of the empty cartridge, or use your manufacturer’s website to run a quick lookup.
As we said from the start, though, if you’re wondering what to do with unused printer ink cartridges, or are considering learning how to donate unused printer ink cartridges or how to recycle printer toner, hold off for a moment while we introduce you to a better option: selling toner cartridges.
This can be a great way to declutter your office space while turning excess into profit, helping you avoid getting stuck with a bunch of expired ink cartridges down the road.
We accept all brand name cartridges provided they are unused and unopened, ideally in their original packaging. It just takes a few clicks to get set up and start getting quotes on your printer ink surplus. So, take the first step today to enjoy top dollar while reducing waste!
