Choosing Between Pigment and Dye Ink for the Epson WF-7840: Compatibility, Performance, and Switching Tips

Question:

Which pigment or dye inks are compatible with the Epson WF-7840 printer, and how do I know which one to use? I'm worried about making the wrong choice when selecting ink.

Answer:

1. Ink Compatibility with the Epson WF-7840

Our inks are not specifically designed for a single printer model like the Epson WF-7840. Instead, BCH inks are formulated for entire printer brands. So, if you select "ink for Epson" on our website, it will work with all Epson printers that use similar ink technologies, including the WF-7840.

To find your ink, simply visit our website, hover over "Ink for Printers", choose the ink type (dye or pigment), and select your desired volume.

• Epson Standard Dye Ink Set (4-Color, 600ml) (https://bchtechnologies.com/standard-600-ml-4-color-refill-ink-for-epson-kd600x-ce/)

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

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

2. Pigment vs. Dye Ink - Which Should You Choose?

You'll be glad to know that the Epson WF-7840 can use either pigment or dye inks. The difference lies in how the printer behaves and what you plan to print:

• Pigment Ink:

  • Uses solid color particles suspended in liquid.

  • Excellent for archival documents or outdoor signage due to UV and water resistance.

  • However, pigment clogs more easily and is harder to clean once dried.

• Dye Ink:

  • Made from colorants fully dissolved in water.

  • Produces brighter, more vibrant prints-especially on glossy photo paper.

  • Much cheaper and easier to unclog if you encounter printhead issues.

While pigment printers automatically perform more frequent cleanings, using dye ink in a pigment printer is actually beneficial-it makes the printer "over-clean," reducing clog risk. Using pigment ink in a dye printer, however, requires extra manual cleaning since pigment particles are heavier and can cause buildup.

If you're printing general office documents, labels, or photos, dye ink is the best balance of cost, quality, and reliability.

For a detailed comparison, check out our articles:

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

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

3. Switching or Mixing Ink Types

Switching from one ink type to another requires a bit of care. Here's what you need to know:

• You can safely switch from dye to dye with no issues.

• You should avoid mixing dye and pigment inks long-term, as they have different base solutions. Pigments are suspended in a chemical matrix, and once disrupted by dye-based ink, the particles can clump and clog the printhead.

• If you must switch, use up the old ink first and then print several pages after refilling to flush out any residue.

For a safer transition, consider flushing your printer with our clear base solutions before switching:

• Clear Dye Base

• Clear Pigment Base

While these steps may seem extensive, they significantly reduce the risk of clogging, especially when switching between third-party inks.

Summary:

• You can use dye ink in a pigment printer.

• Avoid using pigment ink in a dye printer unless you clean it often.

• When changing ink types, use up the old ink and flush the system if possible.

• Once you find an ink that performs well, stick with it to avoid chemical mismatches between different brands.

Important Note from BCH Technologies

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. For that reason, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting or repair support. However, we do offer in-person diagnostic and repair services through our local facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service).

Given the high demand, our services operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so scheduling might take a few weeks. Our repair options include full-printer restoration or part-specific services, with clear steps provided once you contact us.

We understand our rates may not be the cheapest, so we highly encourage self-help and online learning through our extensive YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to "About" on our channel's menu bar to find tutorials that fit your exact printer model or issue.

Thank you again for reaching out and for supporting BCH Technologies. Your continued feedback inspires us to share better, more comprehensive guides for all printer enthusiasts and small business users.