Can You Use Dye Ink for HP 923 Cartridge in HP 8135e? Understanding Dye vs. Pigment Ink

Question:

I have an HP OfficeJet 8135e printer and want to refill the HP 923 cartridge. Can I use this dye ink [https://bch-youtube-fan-store.myshopify.com/products/dye-30-ml-x-4-refill-ink-for-hp-printers-id30-kcmy-ah] for the refill? Also, what is the difference between dye and pigment ink?

Answer:

Thank you for reaching out! I apologize for the delay in getting back to you. I know that printer issues are time-sensitive, and I always want to provide the most accurate and detailed answers possible. We at BCH Technologies [https://bchtechnologies.com] greatly appreciate your engagement, especially through our YouTube channel [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies]. Your feedback helps us continue developing our technical expertise and improving the resources we offer.

Now, let’s address your question.

Can You Use Dye Ink in an HP 923 Cartridge for HP 8135e?

The good news is that you can use either dye or pigment ink in your HP 8135e printer. HP printers designed for pigment ink tend to have a programmed cleaning cycle that runs more frequently compared to dye ink printers. If you use dye ink in a pigment ink printer, the built-in cleaning system will over-clean itself, reducing the risk of clogging.

However, if you use pigment ink in a dye printer, the situation is different. Dye-based printers are not programmed to clean as often as pigment printers, so if you make the switch, I recommend adding manual cleanings to prevent clogging. Many print shops, for example, use pigment ink in dye printers like the Epson Artisan 1430 for printing T-shirts, but they take extra steps to keep the printhead clean.

What’s the Difference Between Dye and Pigment Ink?

If you're deciding between dye and pigment ink, here are the key differences:

• Dye ink:

  • More affordable
  • Easy to unclog if issues arise
  • Recent improvements have enhanced double-sided printing capabilities
  • Not as UV-resistant as pigment ink, but for everyday printing, exposure to sunlight is rarely an issue
  • Waterproofing is generally not a concern unless the prints will be submerged for long periods

• Pigment ink:

  • More fade-resistant and UV-stable
  • Water-resistant, making it better for outdoor use
  • If it clogs, the clog is often permanent and difficult to fix

For general office and home printing, dye ink is the better choice. Unless you frequently print materials exposed to harsh outdoor conditions, dye ink works just fine for most applications. If you’re interested in a good quality dye ink, I recommend these options:

• Epson printers: BCH Standard 600ml 4-Color Refill Ink for Epson [https://bchtechnologies.com/standard-600-ml-4-color-refill-ink-for-epson-kd600x-ce/]
• HP printers: BCH Standard 600ml 4-Color Refill Ink for HP [https://bchtechnologies.com/standard-600-ml-4-color-refill-ink-for-hp-kd600x-ch/]
• Canon printers: BCH Standard 600ml 4-Color Refill Ink for Canon [https://bchtechnologies.com/standard-600-ml-4-color-refill-ink-for-all-printers-kd600x-cu/]

For a deeper dive into the differences, check out these articles:

• Comparison of Pigment vs. Dye Ink: BCH Technologies Support Article [https://support.bchtechnologies.com/hc/en-us/articles/200555919]
• Why Dye Ink Prints Look Better: BCH Technologies Support Article [https://support.bchtechnologies.com/hc/en-us/articles/200677489]

Is It Safe to Switch Between Dye and Pigment Ink?

Switching between dye and pigment ink requires some precautions:

• Dye to dye: No problem, switch freely.
• Pigment to pigment: Generally safe, but some third-party inks may have different bases.
• Pigment to dye: Safe because the printer will clean itself more frequently.
• Dye to pigment: Requires extra cleaning since dye printers don’t clean as often as pigment printers.

You may have heard that mixing pigment and dye ink is bad—this is partially true. While it’s okay in small amounts, over time the different chemical bases can cause clogs. Pigments need a chemical matrix to stay suspended in liquid, and when mixed with dye ink, the matrix can break down and cause pigment particles to clump together.

How to Safely Switch Ink Types:

1. Use up as much of the old ink as possible.
2. Print a few pages to flush out the remaining ink.
3. If you’re concerned, use a clear base solution to dilute any residue before switching. We offer:
   • Dye base cleaner: Universal Dye Ink Base
   • Pigment base cleaner: Universal Pigment Ink Base

Most of the time, switching ink types is not an issue, but if you want to be extra cautious, using a base cleaner can help prevent any unwanted clogging.

Quick Summary:

✅ You can use dye ink in a pigment ink printer like the HP 8135e.
❌ You should not use pigment ink in a dye ink printer unless you perform manual cleanings.
✅ Dye ink is cheaper, easier to maintain, and suitable for most printing needs.
✅ If switching ink types, use up as much old ink as possible and print several pages to flush the system.

Addressing printer issues can be tricky since they often require hands-on troubleshooting. We are unable to provide remote support for printer repairs, but we do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility [https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service]. Due to high demand, our service operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks to drop off your printer. Our repair services cover full printer fixes or specific part replacements with clear instructions. However, we understand that our pricing may not be the most budget-friendly, so we encourage DIY solutions whenever possible.

If you prefer self-help, check out our YouTube channel [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies]. Use the search icon on the right side of the menu bar to find specific videos. With years of content available, searching by topic is the fastest way to find what you need. Plus, YouTube may suggest other helpful videos from various sources.

Thanks again for your question and for being part of our community! Let us know if you need further assistance. Happy printing!