Kinko’s Gets All My Money
Ok, perhaps I’m exaggerating slightly. But for the past couple of months we’ve been having printer issues, and each time the labels won’t print very nicely, I end up at Kinko’s. It all started with the Strawberry Lip Butter labels; I’ve also had to print Whipped Shea Butter labels, the Cherries & Chestnuts soap labels, yesterday it was the Almond Milk Jojoba-Shea Lotion labels, and today it was Almond Milk soap labels. You won’t hear me complain very often, but I’m hoping to save someone else the trouble that we’ve had. Here’s my advice: don’t buy an HP Color LaserJet 2605dn!
We’ve had this printer for about two years and didn’t have any trouble until recently. I’m pretty sure it started about the time my husband had to replace the toner cartridges for the first time. You would think that the colors would be dark and vibrant after changing the toner, but in this case, they started getting lighter and lighter:
Before & After
Before & After
My husband googled the problem and discovered it’s a rather common issue for this printer. First the red’s fade, then the blue’s and finally the black – because the mirrors inside the printer get dirty. Fortunately, my husband is an engineer and he’s really good at taking things apart and putting them back together! Last Saturday, he had the whole printer taken apart, cleaned, and put back together. Now we have a different problem: the colors aren’t aligned. We’ve both tried running the color calibration to no avail. Apparently, it’s called “ghosting”:
Ghosting Issues
Today, I had to go to Kinko’s again because my Almond Milk soap labels looked like this (not because I can’t hold the camera still):
Soap Label
I think it may be time for a new printer. Any suggestions?
September 11th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
I dumped my HP and now use a Canon Pixma all in one. It is supposed to hold more ink for one thing. No complaints and I’ve had it one or two years this xmas. Cant really remember with losing dad last xmas … it all runs together. Good luck on your shopping!
.-= autumnesf´s last blog post ..Tears and Heartache, Broken Contracts and the Swine Flu Too! =-.
September 12th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
That is so frustrating!!! We have an HP printer, though I couldn’t tell you what model it is. We’ve been pretty lucky with ours though….so far.
Oh I got your e-mail about the lotion….will order it in the next couple of days!! Thank you!!!
.-= Helene´s last blog post ..It must be a male thing…. =-.
September 12th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
Good to know…I have to get a new printer soon, so I’ll keep that in mind!
.-= Muthering Heights´s last blog post ..They May Do It =-.
September 14th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
I’ve been daydreaming about a new printer too…I’ll be checking to see what everyone suggests
.-= Elizabeth´s last blog post ..BLACK TEA and BERRIES Cold Process soap LAST ONE 5oz =-.
September 14th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Me too! So far, the Canon Pixma seems to be the only suggestion. I’m trying to figure out if I can make it with an inkjet. I’ve been used to a laser for awhile, and I do need something to print waterproof labels. Tammy at Elements sells the waterproof inkjet labels, but they are only in white, and I use quite a few frosted labels as well. Decisions, decisions.
September 24th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Hi Amy, Get hold of an OKI printer, you won’t be sorry I am on my second one which is a C5950. No fade in UV, exceptional quality and the print can be exposed in full sun outside all day and only fades after 3 or more months of full sun. I have canons and a Primera and this runs rings around these.