You Can’t Pour from an Empty Tumbler… or a Clogged Print Head

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Flex Friday Edition

Let’s talk about something no one really wants to talk about but absolutely needs to:
Maintenance.
Not for your car (although… maybe check those tires too), but for your craft equipment.

More specifically—my Epson F170 sublimation printer, aka: my quiet co-worker who lives on the shelf and sometimes throws a tantrum when I ignore her for too long. 🖨️

😅 Why This Matters (AKA: Learn from Me So You Don’t Cry Later)

I love creating. I love crafting. I love dreaming up designs, applying wraps, making tumblers, and hearing people say,
“OMG this is SO cute!”

What I don’t love?
❌ Weird color streaks
❌ Clogged print heads
❌ Mystery lines across my designs

And guess what causes that?
Neglect.

(Sorry, Epson. I swear it’s not personal.)

🛠️ My Setup & What I’ve Learned

I use the Epson F170 for sublimation work and let me tell you—it’s a great little machine when you treat her right.
But if I forget to run nozzle checks or skip maintenance for a few days?
She gets… moody. Like “no magenta for you” moody.

So here’s my current printer maintenance routine, with a little sparkle:

✨ Jecca’s Craft Equipment Upkeep Tips:

✔️ Run a nozzle check regularly (especially if it’s been a few days)
🧪 It’s like stretching before a workout… but for your printer.

✔️ Clean the print heads at the first sign of streaks or banding
💧 Don’t wait until it looks like abstract art.

✔️ Keep the printer covered when not in use
🧼 Because dust is rude.

✔️ Use it often to prevent dried ink clogs
🙃 Even if you’re not using it daily, run a check to keep it flowing.

✔️ Check your ink levels and keep backups on hand
😬 Running out mid-print? Emotional damage.

✔️ Say a little prayer while you’re at it
🕯️ Diosito, por favor que alguien encuentre mi taza hoy. Amén.

🔔 Bonus Tip: Time to Prep!

We’re heading into:
✏️ Teacher Appreciation Week
💐 Mother’s Day
🎓 Graduation Season
👔 Father’s Day

Now is the time to make sure your gear is clean, prepped, and ready to go before the orders start flying in. Your printer (and your peace of mind) will thank you.

💡 A Little Full-Circle Moment…

Most of the time, I use UVDTF stickers from my favorite distributors—they’re vibrant, convenient, and honestly part of my creative signature.
But recently, I got an order for a sublimation tumbler, which meant firing up the Epson F170, saying a little “please work” prayer, and doing the full maintenance routine.

And once it was printing again?
I remembered how much I LOVE sublimating tumblers. Like, full-on joy.

So… I decided to add sublimated tumblers to my Etsy store too.
Because when something lights you up—why not follow that spark?

📌 Wanna see what my Epson and I have managed to create together (after a good cleaning)?
🛒 https://riseupdesignboutique.etsy.com

Until next time,
Jecca

Location: San Antonio, TX 78261, USA

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