Choosing the Right Ink for Your HP DeskJet 2700 Series Printer: Pigment vs. Dye Ink Explained

Question:

I must purchase black and color ink refills for my HP DeskJet 2700 series (HP3064C2) printer. Could you recommend a suitable ink for this model? Is there a risk of using the wrong type of ink? What is the difference between pigment ink and dye ink, and is it safe to switch between them?

Answer:

Thank you for contacting us, and I sincerely apologize for the delayed response. I understand entirely how urgent printer issues can be and want to provide a detailed answer. At BCH Technologies, we appreciate your engagement and support, particularly on our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Your questions help us refine our expertise and provide helpful information for the printing community.

Now, let’s dive into your questions.

What Ink is Suitable for Your HP DeskJet 2700 Series?

Our inks are not designed for one specific printer model but are compatible with the entire brand’s lineup. For example, purchasing "Ink for HP" from BCH Technologies will work for your HP DeskJet 2700 series.

To find the correct ink, visit our BCH Ink for Printers page (https://bchtechnologies.com/). Hover over "Ink for Printers", select the ink type, and choose your preferred volume.

The OEM black ink is pigment-based for the HP DeskJet 2700 series, while the OEM color inks are dye-based. This means:

• For black ink, you can use either pigment or dye ink.
• For color ink, it’s recommended to stick with dye ink to match the OEM formulation.

If you need high-quality refill inks, here are some suitable options:

• HP-Compatible Dye Ink Set: Standard 600 ml 4-Color Refill Ink for HP (https://bchtechnologies.com/standard-600-ml-4-color-refill-ink-for-hp-kd600x-ch/)
• Epson-Compatible Dye Ink Set: Standard 600 ml 4-Color Refill Ink for Epson (https://bchtechnologies.com/standard-600-ml-4-color-refill-ink-for-epson-kd600x-ce/)
• Universal Dye Ink Set: Standard 600 ml 4-Color Refill Ink for All Printers (https://bchtechnologies.com/standard-600-ml-4-color-refill-ink-for-all-printers-kd600x-cu/)

Should You Use Pigment or Dye Ink in Your Printer?

The HP DeskJet 2700 series can handle both pigment and dye-based black inks, but which one you choose depends on your printing needs:

• Dye Ink:
  • Cheaper than pigment ink.
  • Easier to unclog if a printhead gets blocked.
  • Provides more vibrant colors for general printing.
  • Historically not as waterproof as pigment, but modern dye inks have improved in durability.
• Pigment Ink:
  • More resistant to water and UV light.
  • Used for professional documents that require longevity.
  • More challenging to clean if clogging occurs.

Since pigment printers clean themselves more frequently than dye printers, using dye ink in a pigment printer is generally acceptable—the printer will over-clean itself, reducing the chances of clogging. However, if you use pigment ink in a dye printer, it’s advisable to clean the printer more often manually.

For reference, many print shops print T-shirts using pigment ink in dye-based printers like the Epson Artisan 1430. This method works, but it requires regular maintenance.

What is the Difference Between Pigment and Dye Ink?

Here’s a simple breakdown:

If you want a deeper dive into the topic, check out our articles:

• Compare Dye vs. Pigment 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)

Can You Mix Pigment Ink and Dye Ink?

Switching ink types is possible, but it must be done correctly:

• Switching from dye ink to dye ink is completely safe.
• Switching between pigment and dye ink requires caution:
  • Avoid mixing them for an extended period, as pigment particles may clump together, leading to clogs.
  • If you’re switching, flush out the old ink by printing multiple pages to clear the residual ink.
  • OEM inks (original manufacturer inks) tend to be more tolerant of ink changes compared to third-party inks.
  • Some inks, like Epson’s DuraBrite pigment ink, actually contain both dye and pigment components, so it’s all about the formulation and compatibility.

To minimize clogging risks, you can use a clear base flush before switching:

• Universal Dye Ink Base (https://bchtechnologies.com/universal-dye-ink-bas...)
• Universal Pigment Ink Base (https://bchtechnologies.com/universal-pigment-ink...)

Summary of Switching Risks: 

Safe: Dye ink in a pigment printer
Risky: Pigment ink in a dye printer (requires extra cleaning)
Mixing third-party inks can be a gamble—stick with a brand that works for you!

Final Thoughts

Addressing printer issues can be complex and hands-on. Unfortunately, we cannot provide remote troubleshooting or support for printer repairs. However, we offer an in-person evaluation and repair service at our local diagnostic facility: BCH Printer Repair Service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and wait times may be a few weeks.

If you prefer DIY solutions, we highly recommend self-help resources. You can:

• Visit BCH Technologies YouTube Channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies).
• Use the search function next to "About" to find specific troubleshooting videos.

We receive dozens of inquiries daily, so searching for existing solutions is the fastest way to get help.

Thank you again for reaching out, and we appreciate your support! If you have any further questions, feel free to ask. Happy printing!