Question 1

How is it considered a 6 ink system, when 2 bottles are the same black?

Accepted Answer

According to one review: "The sixth ink is a pigment-based black which is better for text documents because it is more robust than dye." Each of the black inks have a specific purpose in printing: one for text, and one for image.  The printer has a greater tonal range due to the grey ink as well.  Also, use proper paper.  I have compared the same image on different papers: the Epson paper (glossy, semi-glossy) provide a deep black.  I also use HP paper, but the Epson paper gives me a deep black, while the HP can often provide a deep black with a very slight purple tinge; you have to look real hard, but it is there.  When I was working with SIGGRAPH, a computer graphics society, we published our journal, which used a double black.  A black on a black.  Printing color has a lot of history, and I suggest developing your own work process, which will eventually provide better images for you in future use.  I use an ET-3750 color Epson printer: I use that for printing color brochures, and anything which does not require critical specifications for color printing (although it prints beautiful glossy images as well).  I use the ET-8550 for wide format images.  There are YouTube videos regarding this printer, and some discussions regarding color print testing.

Question 2

Trying to print photo christmas cards (matte finish).  What are some good paper optio s?

Accepted Answer

Red River Paper makes a wide variety of awesome greeting card papers.  I have probably printed 3000 cards with the 8550 so far and they do awesome in this printer.  I really love that they have several weight options for matte, and they offer linen and canvas cards as well  in multiple sizes.

Question 3

Does the epson ET-8550 print for heat transfer sublimation?

Accepted Answer

YES, the ET-8550 can be used "out of the box" for sublimation printing as long as you have sourced the 6-color sublimation ink.  Do not use the ink that comes with the printer for sublimation, you'll just contaminate your tank.

It is likely that doing this will void the warranty, but you'll have the best-looking and largest sublimation prints!

Question 4

Can I print heavy cardstock?lake a 110

Accepted Answer

I have printed greeting cards on presentation paper 179 gsm and card stock 199 gsm.

ASIN	B08R57JK88
Additional Printer Functions	Copy
B&W Pages per Minute	16
Best Sellers Rank	#48,892 in Computers ( See Top 100 in Computers ) #113 in Ink Tank Printers
Brand	Epson
Built-In Media	Ink Bottles
Color	Black/White
Color Depth	24 bpp
Color Pages per Minute	12 ppm
Compatible Devices	Laptops, PC, Smartphones, Tablets
Control Method	Voice
Controller Type	iOS
Customer Reviews	4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars (1,182)
Display Type	LCD
Dual-sided printing	Yes
Duplex	Automatic
EU Spare Part Availability Duration	2 Years
Hardware Interface	Ethernet
Initial Page Print Time	15 segundos
Ink Color	color
Item Dimensions D x W x H	61.2D x 40.4W x 34.8H centimeters
Item Type Name	Inkjet Printer
Item Weight	18.5 Pounds
Manufacturer	Epson
Maximum Copy Resolution Black and White	alto
Maximum Copy Resolution Color	alto
Maximum Copy Speed Black and White	16 ppm
Maximum Media Size	13 inches
Maximum Print Resolution Black and White	4800 x 1200 Optimized dpi
Maximum Sheet Capacity	10
Maximum print Resolution Color	4800 x 1200 dpi
Model Name	ET-8500
Model Number	ET-8500
Model Series	EcoTank
Number of Ethernet Ports	1
Number of Trays	1
Other Special Features of the Product	Borderless Printing, Double Sided Scanning, Wireless, Touch Screen, Display Screen, Auto-Duplex
Output sheet capacity	10
Paper Size	8.5 inches
Power Consumption	207 Watts
Print media	Paper (plain)
Printer Connectivity Type	Ethernet
Printer Output Type	Color
Printer Type	Inkjet
Resolution	4800 x 1200
Scanner Type	Photo
Specific Uses For Product	Office, Photo
Total Usb Ports	2
UPC	010343952485
Unit Count	1.0 Count
Warranty Type	limited
Wattage	207 watts

Epson EcoTank Photo ET 8500 Wireless Wide Format Color All in One Supertank Printer with Scanner, Copier, Ethernet and 4.3 inch Color Touchscreen, White

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