HP 62 Ink Cartridge Refill: Does the Peel-Back Label Need to Be Put Back On?

Question

I followed your YouTube refill tutorial for an HP 62 ink cartridge. How important is the peel-back label on the cartridge? After refilling, does the label need to be put back securely, or does it not matter?

Answer

How important is the peel-back label on an HP 62 cartridge?

In most cases, it's not important at all-at least not in the way people assume.

That top label is mostly a cover/sticker, not a "pressure seal" that the cartridge needs in order to function. Under that label, HP cartridges typically have a venting system (air channel) that leads to a breather/vent hole. That vent is essential because the cartridge must allow controlled air entry as ink leaves the sponge reservoir. Without proper venting, the cartridge can't maintain the right balance of pressure and flow.

So the label itself is not the key part-the cartridge's ability to breathe is.

What happens if the label isn't put back on?

Usually, nothing bad happens if you don't put the label back perfectly. Many refillers leave it partially off, replace it loosely, or cover the top with tape while still leaving ventilation.

What matters is this:

• Do not block the vent / air path completely.

• The cartridge must be able to equalize air pressure as ink is used.

If you drilled into the proper fill/vent area (or even drilled a fill hole elsewhere), the label being "secure" is not what makes the refill work. The refill works when:

• the sponge is properly filled (not flooded),

• the nozzle area isn't airlocked,

• and the venting remains functional.

Should you put the label back on securely after refilling?

You have three practical options:

1. Leave the label off (or loosely placed)
   This is fine as long as you're not leaving the vent area sealed shut or covered with debris. Some people place the label back just to reduce dust exposure.

2. Put the label back on, but don't make it airtight
   If you reapply the label or tape over the fill hole, that's okay-just don't seal the cartridge like a vacuum pack. An airtight seal can restrict airflow and cause:

   • printing that starts okay then fades,

   • intermittent streaking,

   • missing colors,

   • or a "works briefly, then stops" pattern.

3. If you use tape to cover a drilled fill hole, keep venting in mind
   If you drill a separate fill hole and want to cover it, that's fine. But make sure you're not also accidentally taping over the cartridge's intended vent path. A common mistake is using one big piece of tape that blocks everything on top.

Quick rule of thumb

• Sealing the cartridge airtight is bad.

• Leaving it able to breathe is good.

• The label itself is mostly cosmetic/convenience-venting is what matters.

Addressing printer and cartridge issues can be tricky because they're very hands-on, and small differences in how a cartridge was drilled, filled, and vented can change the outcome. Because of that, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility: BCH Technologies Printer Repair Service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to strong demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before we can accept your printer for drop-off. Our services are set up to repair either a full printer or specific components, with clear steps on how to proceed. We also want to be upfront that our rates aren't the cheapest option-so we strongly encourage self-help research first. You can start with YouTube, especially our channel homepage: BCH Technologies on YouTube (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). To find relevant videos quickly, use the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar. I get dozens of questions every day asking which video covers a specific topic, and after nine years of videos it's impossible to remember every single one-YouTube's search tool is the fastest method, and it may also recommend helpful videos from other channels.

Thanks again for your support and for watching our content. We truly appreciate you reaching out, and I hope this clears up what the label does (and doesn't) do during an HP 62 refill.