what solvent for pigmented ink?

[Ken]

I have seen many posts suggesting solvents for dye-based inks, but
none specifically for pigmented inks such as the Canon black. What
solvent can be used to clean the BCI-3eBK black ink portion of the
printhead?

 

[Arthur Entlich]

I can't speak for Canon specifically. However, for Epson pigmented inks
(Both Durabrite and Ultrachrome, a mixture of ammoniated water of
ammoniated window cleaner (which has glycols in it) plus some rubbing
alcohol is effective. I have tested these inks with these cleaning
agents outside of the printer and they are effective with both wet and
dry inks.

Art

 

[Winey]

I can't speak for Canon specifically. However, for Epson pigmented inks
(Both Durabrite and Ultrachrome, a mixture of ammoniated water of
ammoniated window cleaner (which has glycols in it) plus some rubbing
alcohol is effective. I have tested these inks with these cleaning
agents outside of the printer and they are effective with both wet and
dry inks.

What ratio off ammoniated window cleaner to rubbing alcohol?

Will this also work for 'regular' dye inks?

 

[Arthur Entlich]

Different inks work better with different ratios. I found the Durabrite
and Ultrachtrome dissolve better with higher alcohol ratios.

For dye inks I suggest 2 parts isopropyl to 8 parts ammoniated window
cleaner

For pigmented inks from Epson OEM, you can double the amount of alcohol,
such as 4 parts isopropyl to 6 parts window cleaner.

However, it is not absolutely critical. Standard isopropyl alcohol
comes in 70% and 99%. The rest is usually just water. Since the 70% is
so much cheaper in some areas, I recommend using it.

Art