Best Refill Ink Options for HP Smart Tank 7301: What You Need to Know About Ink Type, Compatibility, and Safety

Question: How do I find replacement ink for my HP Smart Tank 7301? Is it safe to use dye ink and refill the OEM bottle with third-party ink? Should I worry about switching between pigment and dye inks?

Answer:

Compatible Ink for HP Smart Tank 7301

The HP Smart Tank 7301 is engineered to use pigment-based black ink and dye-based cyan, magenta, and yellow inks. When replacing or refilling your ink:

• Use dye ink for the color tanks.

• Use pigment ink for the black tank (do not substitute with dye ink in this case).

You can use high-quality third-party dye inks—like those from BCH—for the color tanks safely. However, it's essential to avoid cross-contamination between pigment and dye inks to preserve print quality and avoid clogs.

If you’re interested in refilling the printer using third-party dye ink, we recommend BCH’s refill kits tailored for each brand:

• Dye Ink for HP Printers (https://bchtechnologies.com/standard-600-ml-4-color-refill-ink-for-hp-kd600x-ch/)

You can also browse options for:

• Epson Printers (https://bchtechnologies.com/standard-600-ml-4-color-refill-ink-for-epson-kd600x-ce/)

• Canon Printers (https://bchtechnologies.com/standard-600-ml-4-color-refill-ink-for-all-printers-kd600x-cu/)

Refilling Using OEM Bottles

Refilling OEM HP bottles is a clever and budget-friendly method, and yes, it’s doable! However, be cautious to avoid issues such as valve blockage or ink contamination.

Steps to refill the OEM bottles properly:

1. Clean the bottle thoroughly with distilled water—never use tap water. Let it dry completely.

2. Use a syringe or funnel to refill with third-party dye ink. Avoid overfilling.

3. Inspect the bottle’s nozzle and innovative valve to ensure they’re functional and unclogged.

4. After refilling, gently shake the bottle to ensure the ink is mixed evenly.

5. Label your bottles to avoid accidental mix-ups between dye and pigment inks.

Should You Use Dye or Pigment Ink?

Generally, you can use dye ink in a pigment ink printer, like the 7301, especially if you're refilling only the color tanks. Many users prefer dye ink because:

• It’s more affordable.

• It’s easier to unclog.

• Modern dye inks offer improved durability, vibrancy, and smudge resistance.

However, do not use pigment ink in a dye-only printer unless you’re committed to regular manual cleaning. Pigment ink particles are heavier and can clog printheads if not flushed consistently.

For a deep dive into the differences and performance:

• Compare Pigment vs. Dye Ink (https://support.bchtechnologies.com/hc/en-us/articles/200555919)

• Why Dye Ink Looks Better (https://support.bchtechnologies.com/hc/en-us/articles/200677489)

Is It Safe to Switch Ink Types?

Switching between dye and pigment inks is not inherently dangerous, but proceed carefully:

• Don’t mix pigment and dye inks in the same tank long-term. They use different base liquids, and mixing them may cause the pigment to clump and clog the nozzles.

• If you're switching:

  • Use up the existing ink as much as possible.

  • Print multiple pages after the switch to flush out remnants.

• Mixing up to 20% of a different ink type is usually safe short-term.

• OEM inks (like HP’s) are generally tolerant of small mix ratios, but third-party brands may differ.

If you're looking to flush the system before switching, BCH offers:

• Universal Dye Base

• Universal Pigment Base

Stick with one brand once you find one that works well to avoid potential compatibility issues.

Note: Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. So, it might take a few weeks before we can get your printer to drop it off. Our services are structured to repair either a whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we acknowledge that our rates aren't the most economical. Thus, we highly recommend that you resort to self-help via online research. You can start by checking out YouTube or visiting our YouTube channel’s homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Look for specific videos using the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar. I receive dozens of queries every day asking about videos for specific topics. Having created videos over the past nine years, it's challenging to remember every single one. Therefore, using YouTube's search function would be most efficient. Plus, YouTube might suggest relevant videos from other channels that could assist you.

Thank you again for reaching out and trusting BCH Technologies. Your questions help us grow and improve, and we’re always here to share what we’ve learned.