Epson Sublimation Printer Cyan Not Printing After Cleaning: Causes, Fixes, and Settings That Actually Help

Question

My printer's cyan ink isn't printing correctly. I've already done regular cleanings and power cleanings, but nothing is improving. I'm not sure what to try next. I also checked inside under the cover like some instructions said, but I can't figure out how to access anything else or what I should do now.

Answer

Why Cyan Can Fail Even After Cleaning (Most Common Cause: Air Bubble)

If cyan is missing or very faint after multiple cleanings (and even power cleaning), one of the most common causes is air trapped in the cyan ink line/damper/head channel-an air bubble. Cleaning cycles don't always remove air; in fact, repeated power cleanings can sometimes make the problem worse by pulling more air into the system or overheating/stressing the printhead.

What an air bubble typically looks like

• Cyan is completely missing, or comes and goes.

• Nozzle checks show cyan broken in chunks rather than evenly faded.

• The issue started after:

  • letting ink run low,

  • a refill,

  • moving the printer,

  • a long period of non-use,

  • or switching inks (common in sublimation conversions).

What to do next (without taking the printer apart)

1. Stop doing repeated power cleanings.
   One power cleaning is already a heavy procedure. Multiple rounds in a row can overheat the head and waste a lot of ink, without fixing the air pocket.

2. Let the printer rest.
   If you've been running multiple cleaning cycles, let it sit powered on (or per Epson guidance for your model) for a bit so pressure stabilizes and the head cools. Then try a single normal cleaning and check again.

3. Confirm cyan is actually able to flow (basic checks).

   • Make sure the cyan tank/cartridge is properly seated and vented (depending on your setup).

   • Check that caps/air vents are open on the ink tank system (many sublimation conversions fail here).

   • Look for visibly pinched tubing if your setup uses external lines.

4. Print something that pulls ink steadily (gentler than repeated cleanings).
   Sometimes a solid cyan block print (or a color image with heavy cyan) can help move ink through more naturally than hammering clean cycles. Use it sparingly-don't run dozens back-to-back.

Important: You Don't Need a Perfect Nozzle Check for Sublimation

This part is often misunderstood, so I want to say it clearly:

For sublimation printing, you usually do not need a perfect nozzle check to get a usable transfer-especially if the missing cyan is minor. Sublimation is more forgiving because:

• the transfer process and heat press blending can mask tiny dropouts,

• and many designs don't show minor nozzle gaps the way photo paper would.

If your nozzle check is mostly there (even with some broken lines), you may be able to proceed with production prints while continuing gentle recovery steps.

The Paper Setting That Helps a Lot: "Presentation Matte"

Your proposed setting is a solid practical step, and it often makes a noticeable difference for sublimation workflows:

Use "Presentation Matte" as your paper setting

Selecting Presentation Matte typically:

• lays down more ink, more consistently,

• slows the pass a bit,

• and can improve color density and reduce banding-especially when a channel is slightly weak.

This won't "fix" a true blockage or a big air pocket, but it can:

• improve real-world print appearance,

• and help you keep working if cyan is only partially affected.

If you're printing on sublimation paper, Presentation Matte is a very common "best match" driver setting for ink load and stability.

A Note About Error Codes

You mentioned cleaning and power cleaning, but no printer error codes were included (for example, codes like 0x97, E-01, E-11, etc.). If your printer is showing any error code(s), those are important because they can change the diagnosis (for instance, pointing to sensor issues, carriage lock, ink system faults, or maintenance box problems). For now, based on what you shared, this appears to be a cyan ink delivery issue (likely air bubble) rather than an electronic fault.

What Not to Do (Prevents Bigger Damage)

• Don't run power cleanings repeatedly in a short time.

• Don't keep printing endless nozzle checks.

• Don't force disassembly "to get to something else" unless you already know what part you're targeting-many printers can be damaged by moving the carriage incorrectly or contaminating the capping station/wiper area.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair because these problems are hands-on and often require direct inspection. So, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, step-by-step repair suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility: printer repair service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before we can accept a drop-off. Our services are structured to repair either the entire printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. We also understand our rates aren't the most economical, so we strongly encourage self-help through online research. A great starting point is YouTube-especially our channel homepage: BCH Technologies YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). To find the most relevant videos quickly, use the search icon next to "About" on the right side of the menu bar. I receive dozens of messages every day asking if we have a video for a specific topic, and since we've posted for years, it's hard to remember every single upload-YouTube search is the fastest way. It may also recommend helpful videos from other creators that match your exact issue.

Thanks again for reaching out and for supporting BCH Technologies. I truly appreciate your patience, and I hope this points you in the right direction with the cyan channel and helps you get back to printing as soon as possible.