Question:
I finally got my Epson ET-3750 printer working again after using a syringe to pull ink from the waste ink line and replacing the maintenance box. Now I’m looking to buy backup ink for when I run low. I’m comparing different ink options: BCH’s Premium KH600X-3PH kit, the Standard 6-bottle 100 mL dye ink set from Amazon, the ID-30 Series pigment set, and Epson’s Claria Standard kit. Since I don’t print every day, I’m especially concerned about clogging—particularly with pigment black ink. Which ink would you recommend for the ET-3750, considering my print habits?
Answer:
Thank you so much for reaching out to us! And I want to sincerely apologize for the delay in responding—we know printer issues and supply decisions are time-sensitive. You’ve clearly put in a lot of time and effort getting your Epson ET-3750 back up and running, and it really shows. At BCH Technologies, we truly appreciate your thoughtful message and your engagement with our content—especially on our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Your feedback helps us fine-tune our support and develop better educational materials for the community.
Now, let’s dive into your ink choices and what’s best for your ET-3750 based on your print frequency and goals.
🧪 Pigment vs. Dye Ink: What’s the Difference?
The Epson ET-3750 was originally designed to use dye-based color inks and pigment-based black ink (specifically in the Claria line). So technically, it can run either dye or pigment ink—but how often you print plays a major role in what’s best for you.
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Pigment ink offers superior water resistance and print sharpness but clogs more easily if the printer sits idle.
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Dye ink is less prone to clogging, cheaper, and easier to flush—but slightly less UV and water resistant (though modern dye ink has come a long way).
For someone who doesn’t print every day, dye-based ink is generally the safer and more forgiving choice, especially for black ink. Pigment black requires more frequent self-cleaning, and if that’s not happening, you’re more likely to run into clogs.
🔍 Breaking Down Your Ink Options:
✅ 1. Standard 6-Bottle 100 mL Dye Ink Set (Amazon – $15.88)
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Best for: Light or occasional printing.
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Pros: Low cost per mL, minimal clog risk, ET-3750 compatible.
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Cons: Dye black isn't as crisp as pigment on plain paper.
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Recommendation: Highly recommended for your usage pattern. Great for everyday users who don’t print daily but want low-maintenance, affordable ink.
🖤 2. Premium KH600X-3PH Ink Kit (Pigment Black + Dye Colors – $25)
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Best for: Frequent text printing and users who want archival-quality black.
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Pros: Water-resistant, sharper black text.
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Cons: Pigment black can clog if not used regularly.
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Recommendation: Only recommended if you print at least 2–3 times a week.
💧 3. ID-30 Series Ink Set (5 x 30 mL – $16)
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Best for: Low-volume users who want higher quality and small bottle sizes.
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Pros: Quality-focused kit in smaller sizes.
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Cons: Higher cost per mL, includes pigment black—same clogging concern.
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Recommendation: Decent option if you’re printing small jobs often, but still not ideal for occasional users.
💸 4. Epson Claria Standard Kit (OEM – $67 for 4 x 70 mL)
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Best for: Warranty preservation (which you don’t need anymore).
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Pros: OEM quality and safety.
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Cons: High price, limited value after you've DIY’d repairs.
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Recommendation: Not worth the cost unless you're under warranty or risk-averse.
📌 Final Recommendation:
Based on your usage, I recommend the Standard 6-bottle 100 mL dye ink set. It’s the most economical, has the lowest clogging risk, and keeps things simple if your printer sits idle between jobs. If you start printing more often in the future, consider trying the KH600X-3PH as a next step.
🤔 Still Worried About Switching Ink Types?
Here’s what you need to know:
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Dye ink in pigment printers = OK. The printer will over-clean, which actually helps prevent clogs.
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Pigment ink in dye printers = Riskier. Needs occasional manual cleanings to prevent clogs.
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Mixing dye and pigment inks = Not recommended long-term. Different ink bases can destabilize the suspension matrix, causing clogs over time. If you’re switching, flush the system thoroughly or use up as much old ink as possible before switching.
If you're planning to switch between pigment and dye inks, consider using a clear base flush to reduce the risk. We offer:
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Universal Dye Base (https://bchtechnologies.com/universal-dye-ink-bas...)
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Universal Pigment Base (https://bchtechnologies.com/universal-pigment-ink...)
For more on the science of ink, visit:
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Compare Pigment vs. Dye Ink (https://support.bchtechnologies.com/hc/en-us/articles/200555919)
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Why Dye Prints Look Better (https://support.bchtechnologies.com/hc/en-us/articles/200677489)
Addressing printer issues—and especially choosing the right ink—can get a little overwhelming, particularly with hands-on repairs like you've already done. We don’t offer remote troubleshooting for printer repairs, but we do provide in-person repair services at our diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, turnaround times can take a few weeks, and repairs are handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Our team handles everything from whole-printer diagnostics to specific part replacement, and we’ll guide you through the process step by step. That said, we know our service may not be the most cost-effective option, which is why we continue to encourage the self-help route.
To learn more, check out our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search bar next to the "About" tab for the fastest way to find videos tailored to your exact needs. We've got nine years' worth of content, and YouTube may even suggest helpful videos from other creators too.
Thanks again for reaching out—and congratulations again for rescuing that ET-3750 from the brink. That’s no small feat! Let us know if you need help with flushing systems, resetting waste ink counters, or finding more cost-effective ink options in the future.