Printer Ink: Friend or Foe?

There are many mysteries in a gamer’s life.

Why do dice always roll off the table at the most crucial time? A coincidence? Or is it just being dramatic?

Why does the person,
who isn’t even trying, always win?

But perhaps the most intriguing of all is this:
Why does printer ink feel like a luxury item?

Can’t relate? You made it in life!

And if you can relate to this, let’s dive deep into this matter.

Your ever-so-humble printer, which often jams at the worst possible moments, is practically a vault for liquid treasure. How do we make the most out of printer ink?

Let’s call it your lucky day, for I have cracked the code! Below are some handy solutions to manage your ink without declaring bankruptcy.

Before we begin

A big shoutout to all the game enthusiasts, publishers, and indie artists who shared their tips and tricks with me, making it all the more easy for me to crack the code. As a blogger and a game developer, I’ve had the honor of being surrounded by great minds who know how to handle printer inks far better than I thought I did.

Thank you! You know who you are.

1. Le affordable Ink

Time to stop buying cartridges from overpriced stores! Rather, grab affordable refills or compatible cartridges that work just as well.

Yes, your printer’s ominous ‘non-genuine ink detected’ warning is a bluff!

My go-to options:
Generic Ink Cartridge Set for home printers: works with heavy-duty print jobs, and is pretty affordable!

EcoTank Refillable Ink Bottles: again, pretty affordable. Recommended for gamers who print all the expansions! Galdor’s Grip and Black Sonata, here I come!

Disclaimer: A bit of research is absolutely necessary here. If you are opting for Amazon like the majority did, check the reviews to understand which brands are compatible with the cartridge/ink bottles.

2. Print Wisely, Live Well

It’s always tempting to print everything in full color, especially when the print-and-play game has gorgeous art. But you’ll survive if some components are printed in grayscale; like the rulebook or any instructional material. Save the color for cards and board.

Furthermore, you need paper for clean and crisp printing which doesn’t soak up excessive ink. My nod goes to Hammermill Premium Inkjet Paper.

3. You’re out of Ink? Yeah Right.

At times, when your printer claims it’s out of ink, it’s lying. Most printers are designed to panic you into buying ink early. Before you give in, here’s a tip: remove the cartridge, shake it like a polaroid picture, and put it back in. And voila! Squeeze out a few more prints. You’re welcome!

But printers won’t always lie; you will, at some stage, run out of print.

For that, there is an out-of-the-box solution in the name of HP Instant Ink Subscription. The rate is quite less than I’d imagined, in return for shipping ink only when your printer needs it. It’s automated, so there’s zero hassle. It’s recommended for those who actively use printers almost every day.

4. Oh the warriors!

If you actively print games, especially ones with tons of components and expansions, then bulk ink systems and laser printers are your allies. The upfront cost of buying a printer is high, but you will undoubtedly save big in the long run. My picks:

Epson EcoTank ET-2760 or 2800: it’s a monster! Big nod for color prints
Brother Laser Print HL-2460DW: Big nod for black-and-white prints

Final thoughts: friend or foe?

Ink is expensive- especially for those who are not investing in the right ideas and the right solutions. If you are actively printing games, then it’s time for you to take a while to do some research on ink and printers.

Your solution may or may not coincide with my findings, but it will save you a fortune, and free your headspace for more games! 

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