Use or replace out-of-date matte cartridge in 3880?

[Chuck S.]

Epson 3880. Been printing on glossy/luster papers exclusively for a year or so with PK/gloss black ink. Just went to shake all carts (as I do every month or so), & noticed MK/matte black cart is dated 2015 and about half empty.

Been saving some images for matte papers, & could switch over to use it up, BUT... does age affect image quality, and, every bit as important, increase probability of plugged nozzles? I already have a new MK cart on the shelf, and could simply install it before switching over. Don't want to waste ink, but then, it's not that big a deal to toss & replace.

Any comparable real world experiences here?

[Oren Grad]

Just one anecdotal report, but FWIW, when I had my 3880 I used cartridges that were as old as about 18 months past date, never had any trouble from them.

[Serge S]

Same here:)


Just one anecdotal report, but FWIW, when I had my 3880 I used cartridges that were as old as about 18 months past date, never had any trouble from them.

[neil poulsen]

Ditto. Or likely, a little older. I installed them unused, though.

[Jim Jones]

Me too.

[Chuck S.]

Many thanks. Will give it a try.

[djdister]

I've had individual cartridges in my 3880 last several years beyond their "expiry" date, and was amazed when I finally did replace some of them up to 4 years after their use by date. Did not notice any appreciable color shift problems in the output until they were truly "low"....