[Gary16735]

Am using an Epson 880 to print 4x6 and 8x10 photos. No problems but, why does it take so long for the ink dry? Seems as if the glossy print is still wet after a period of time. Is there a process or trick to get these prints to dry for suitable usage? Thanks in advance. Gary

[slipe]

I think Epson prints dry faster than HP. The paper is important. Are you using Epson premium photo paper? The matte finish dries faster if you like the effect. Otherwise you just have to sit them somewhere safe.

[MustBNuts]

What OS are you using? If XP, did you use the XP offered drivers or Epson's drivers?

The reason I ask is that when I upgraded to XP I found the drivers Microsoft provided did not offer any of the functionality for my HP printer.

I can't say regarding your particular software, but mine has printer properties/settings that allow me to increase or decrease ink usage when I print....check your settings to see if you have something similar.

[Gary16735]

Am running XP Home that came with my Dell. My Epson 880 has all the different programs and dpi settings. As I originally post, there is no problem with the printing process just if there were any tips or tricks to get the ink to dry faster. Am using HP Premium photo paper, glossy. Guess it will just be a matter of laying the prints aside and let them dry. Thanks for the comebacks. Gary

[slipe]

HP paper is terrible for drying – even using HP printers. I won’t even use it with my HP printer anymore because it seems to stay tacky for the better part of a day. Use Epson paper. Your colors will only come out exact with Epson paper anyway.

[MustBNuts]

Guess my point got lost in my rambling....the point I was making was: Have you, perhaps, tried to reduce the ink output? A couple of times I found it actually improved the photo I was printing.

[slipe]

I guess it is a question of what your “period of time” is. Photos should dry in a reasonable time with the standard ink application.

I’ve used less ink but don’t like the output – I suppose it is a matter of taste.

You really should be using Epson Paper. If your photos look better using less ink it is because the HP paper isn’t designed to take the output from the Epson printer. There is a definite correlation between the printer and their brand of paper. I use Red River paper for my photo Canon, but have to profile for the difference. The Canon paper is pricey but gives the best prints with Canon printers.

Go to the printer forum at dpreview and ask about using HP paper on an Epson printer. The people there know their stuff and HP paper isn’t going to be their choice. http://www.dpreview.com/forums/forum...um=1003&page=1

[Gary16735]

Yes, I have tried several setting with the ink but always the same. Will use up the HP paper I have and then get some Epson. Thank to all who helped. Gary