Canon IP8700 with Graded Grey Inks
Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2026 10:39 am
So here's a project! I'm proposing setting up a Canon IP8700 to run graded grey inks in a dedicated print head for printing monochrome photos - a little like is sometimes done with various Epson printers but with the advantage of being able to easily swap out the printheads so that a single printer can be set up for either Colour or B&W. Intend using Canon GI 61 black in the black pigment channel and GI-55 black in the photoblack channel in refillable ARC cartridges. Another refillable cartridge filled with Canon GI-63 GY grey ink is proposed for the grey channel, with the Yellow, Cyan and Magenta channels being populated with greys diluted and/or blended using the above inks and a clear carrier made from 93% deionized water, 5% glycol and 2% isopropyl alcohol (with about 0.25% Benzalkonium Chloride as preservative). Density checks will be undertaken using a Colormunki in spectrometer mode to read a monochrome step chart with Argyll CMS (spotread -d) and final tuning with Turboprint's ink control software. Has anybody attempted something like this? - and if so, are there any suggestions regarding starting ink blend proportions for the Y/ C/M (now graded grey) channels?
I'm sure I'm not the first to try this ....
TIA for any suggestions.
I'm sure I'm not the first to try this ....
TIA for any suggestions.