Epson 2200 Ink Tanks

We have calculated ink usage to be about 15% - 20% less in terms of dollars than previous Epson printers. That translates into real savings when you consider the high cost of inks. We estimate a full color 8x10 to have an ink cost of about $1.00. When added with the cost of a 8.5x11 sheet of Polar Satin, you get a finished 8x10 for only $1.50.

Epson 2200 UltraChrome Media and Paper Highlights

The Epson 2200 is compatible with 15 different Red River inkjet papers. Red River offers free ICC profiles for each paper so 2200 color management is easier to handle. The Epson 2200 is optimized for certain types of media including satin or luster finishes, matte (non-gloss) finishes, and watercolor / artistic type inkjet papers. In general, using glossy inkjet paper with the Epson 2200 is discouraged. UltraChrome ink is not optimized for gloss paper and tends to sit on the surface of the media. This causes a "3D" look in dark areas. Many customers choose to use gloss with their 2200, but they have to make file modifications or remember some special settings in the Epson print driver.

Feed Mechanisms

The next stop on the tour is a new method of feeding paper. A rear, truly straight path is available to utilize heavy papers and board up to 1.5mm thick. This is a great advance, especially for Red River because we offer a number of super weight papers that can cause feeding issues with standard printers. The feed selection bar is on the right rear of the 2200 and allows selection of normal, thick/envelope, and rear feed paths. Like previous printers, the 2200 also is compatible with roll stocks. Red River offers 4 2200 compatible papers in rolls from 4" to 13" wide.

Along with the roll system, the Epson 2200 also comes with a unique and fun paper cutter. When installed, the cutter will make automatic, precision cuts while the printer prints. If you are using edge-to-edge mode on a roll stock, you can have the cutter make cuts at the top and bottom of a print for a true borderless image. Alternatively, the cutter can cut in between each image as they exit the printer for a slight border on the leading and trailing edge.

Of course, Red River offers most of our compatible papers in these sizes. Check our product listings for more information.

Print Speeds

The 2200 takes offers respectable print speed with 4.5 minute 8x10 prints at 1440dpi. That time goes to 8 minutes at 2880dpi. In general, we believe those times more than adequate when one considers the quality and print life of the image.

Print Controls

The Epson 2200 printer drivers feature much of the same user interfaces from previous printers. A new list of paper selections, and an "Ink Configuration" menu are the major differences. Paper cutter controls, as well as Photo Black/Matte Black selections are also run from the driver menus. The "Ink Config" menu contains controls for color density and print drying time. Both of these are major advancements that allow you to use more papers successfully.

Here is an example - When printed at normal settings, Red River UltraPro Satin looks great, but has what can only be described as a 3D effect when viewed at an angle. The problem stems from ink buildup in the dark areas of an image. It also prevalent on standard F-Surface glossy papers. Luckily, this issue is resolved nicely by lowering the color density setting to -10. The resulting print takes an extra 2-3 minutes, but the 3D effect is almost totally mitigated.

Red River has worked hard to offer a wide selection of compatible papers that expand your printing capability. Each of these papers has been tested and evaluated for color gamut, clarity and drying. Our printlife testing has been completed. You can see the results here.

A quick note on pigment ink archivability: The 2200 print life claims are less than the 2000P. Ink modifications that offer better color gamut are probably the cause of the shorter life. Still, 75-100 years seems more than sufficent for the average user. Please note that it is strongly suggested that you protect 2200 prints under glass, plastic or in a book regardless of which paper you choose to use.

Red River Papers compatible with the Epson 2200

Go to the Red River / Epson 2200 page here

Epson and the Epson Stylus Photo 2200 are trademarks of the Seiko Epson corporation.