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Frequently Asked Questions

Bubble Jet Set 2000 and Bubble Jet Rinse are permanent bonding agents for fibers that go through a dye process. Quilters can use Bubble Jet products for permanent Inkjet fabric printout, safer quilt washing and to set bleeding colors in fabric and threads. Also use for fabric that goes through color copiers that use Inkjet inks.

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FAQs: Bubble Jet Set 2000 and Bubble Jet Rinse

Update: Hp has currently release some new printers that do not have favorable results with the Bubble Jet Set 2000. These new inks can achieve a 50% permanency rate, which is unacceptable. This new ink is placed in cartridge no. 10 and 11. We have listed all the printers that use these cartridges below.

Please do not use Bubble Jet Set 2000 with the following Hewlet Packard Printers:

HP cp 1700
HP 2200 Business Inkjet
HP 2230 Business Inkjet
HP 2250 Business Inkjet

HP 2280 Business Inkjet
HP 2600 Business Inkjet
HP 2000 Business Inkjet
HP 2500 Business Inkjet

Update: New information on Pigmented Inks used with Epson C82 Printer: IMPORTANT TO READ, CLICK HERE: Find an article about the C82 printer and printing on fabric if you are using or considering purchasing this printer or using pigment based inks.

What is Bubble Jet Set 2000 and Bubble Jet Rinse

Bubble Jet Set 2000 Bubble Jet 2000 and Bubble Jet Rinse were developed by necktie makers who needed to create reliable, permanent, fabric printouts from Bubble Jet Printers for their neckties. The process is so unique and works so well they applied for and have a patent pending. Fortunately they decided to market BJS and BJR. Quilters and other fiber artists are the benefactors and the rest is history making for experimenting quilters and artists who are raving about how well Bubble Jet Set 2000 and Bubble Jet Rinse work!

Permanent FABRIC Inkjet Printouts using 100% cotton and 100% silk for labels, photos memory quilts, one-of-a-kind fabrics, and more. Using your Bubble Jet printers is easy, convenient and inexpensive. Each 32 ounce bottle can print between (50-60) 81/2" x 11" fabric sheets, this is much more reasonable than the prepackaged fabric sheets.

Don't own a Bubble Jet / Ink JetPrinter? Use a Color Copier: HP and Epson both are marketing color copiers that use the same Inkjet INKS as their printer inks. Is the light dawning yet? Use Bubble Jet Set 2000 and Bubble Jet Rinse to make PERMANENT color copier printouts. Call around and find a local copier place that is using the Inkjet Copiers. These copiers were being demonstrated at the Fall 1999 Quilt Market using the Cannon Fabrics and June Taylor Fabrics designed for printers, the leap is simple, use Bubble Jet Set 2000 and Bubble Jet Rinse too! Hint: these copiers are between $500-$800. Question, is under $800 getting in the price range some quilters can afford, -- hummm another must have quilt tool?

What is Hewlett Packard Bubble Jet Set 2000 and how is it different the original Bubble Jet Set 2000?

C Jenkins the manufacture of Bubble Jet Set states the following about Hewlett Packard Bubble Jet Set 2000.

" We wanted to take a quick moment to tell you about the new Hewlett Packard Vivera Inks. We have received many emails & questions concerning the inks and its performance. The negative is the ink will not get as bright as prior HP inks and is a little harder to make permanent. As a result, we developed the new HP Bubble Jet Set 2000 to improve the washability and brightness. However, this ink WILL NOT GET AS BRIGHT AS PRIOR HP INKS when printing on fabric! Also, if you are using the original Bubble Jet Set 2000 it will work just fine but it will only get about 80% of the ink permanent. This is compared to the 93% permanent rate you will achieve with the new HP Bubble Jet Set 2000."

How do Bubble Jet Set and Bubble Jet Rinse work and what fabrics should I use?

First, understand that Bubble Jet Set 2000 and Bubble Jet Rinse are made to do one thing very well! They are designed to bond dye molecules with fiber, specifically 100% cottons and 100% silks. DO NOT use Fabrics with ANY polyester, this includes the poly/cotton fabrics as BJS does NOT adhere to polyester and the poly content will contribute to bleeding in after-wash care. For good measure (as with any fabric) you should test for permanency BEFORE adding to a project and this is where Bubble Jet Rinse comes in and becomes an additional aide in the permanent bonding of the dye molecules.

NOTE: When doing a test, complete the final project using the same Inkjet brands and fabric treatment, refer to How-to do's and don'ts below.

Why do I need Bubble Jet Rinse?

Bubble Jet 2000 is the setting solution, right?" Bubble Jet Rinse may be a misnomer, Bubble Jet Rinse really is a WASHING product to be used to help keep dyes from being pulled off the fabric. PLUS, Bubble Jet Rinse adds additional bonding of the dye molecules to the fabric. Bubble Jet Rinse is the best product to wash our fabric printouts to ensure that the printouts will remain dye saturated. It also good to be used as prewash of our cotton and silk fabrics we are using in our quilts. NOTE: This helps slow down fading in our quilts! Regular detergents are designed to attract dye molecules, thus pulling them OFF the printout, fabric, trim or thread. Bubble Jet Rinse bonding agents will grab run away molecules not adhering to the fabric to make the permanent setting bond stronger.

Will Bubble Jet Set 2000 and Bubble Jet Rinse help prevent fading and bleeding in quilting and needlework projects?

Bleeding Fabrics direct from the Fabric Company (you know the ones, some fabric dyes even come off on your hands from simple handling): Have you tried to stop bleeding in the PERFECT fabric with the Vinegar set solution with poor results? Or perhaps you have tried the rinsing several times and stand there watching the color go down the drain and have the fabric grow lighter and lighter with each rinse. Now what? At last there is a solution that works! To stop the bleeding in its tracks BEFORE cutting your patches, first soak the fabric in Bubble Jet Set 2000 and then wash in Bubble Jet Rinse. Click here for directions.

Prewash your quilting fabrics using Bubble Jet Rinse: How many of you have had a red fabric bleed after a quilt was constructed? Prewashing fabrics removes excess dye and chemical residue and will save heart break later when washing your quilt after construction and having that errant fabric that may bleed.
Protect your Quilts with positive aftercare using Bubble Jet Rinse: You have worked hard and now you want to give your quilts the best care possible. Use Bubble Jet Rinse to WASH your finished quilts to maintain the dye bonding integrity of your fabrics. Bubble Jet Rinse is gentle and kind on the fabric dyes, thus extending the lifetime of your quilt.
Ribbons, Trims, Embroidery Floss and Yarns that bleed: Have you ever added trim and ribbon to a project and have them bleed? Have you completed a cross stitch or needlepoint design with a neutral background that required washing and have one of the colors BLEED into background and surrounding threads? I have, and it is very heart breaking! HINT: MAKE BJS and BJR your new friendly helpers. Test your threads, trims, ribbons and yarns ahead of time and soak those that bleed in Bubble Jet Set 2000 BEFORE using, then prewash (not in the washing machine, in the sink) using Bubble Jet Rinse to wash away and finish bonding runaway molecules. Bleeding problems are GONE! Then to ensure a long life and permanent dye bonding, wash (when needed) your finished project in Bubble Jet Rinse to maintain the dye bonding integrity.

Instructions how to use Bubble Jet Set 2000 and Bubble Jet Rinse

Manufacturer's instructions are on the label of each bottle -- it will never get lost. Below is summary of the recommended steps with an occasional editorial addition by Sharla Hicks.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT heat set in the dryer or using an iron, it does not work. When ironing to remove wrinkles, simply use your normal heat settings.

Fabrics to use with Bubble Jet Set 2000

Use ONLY 100% cottons and 100% silks. As with all fabrics and printouts, do a small test first using the ink cartridge (see information about generic ink cartridge below) and fabric you will be using on the final product.

No prewashing is required but if you are going to prewash your fabric, do so for the test also.
Not every fabric holds the ink equally, so doing a small test sample will prevent you from wasting precious resources and lose creative time.

Note: 1/2 oz. will do a 81/2" x 11" sheet. A 32 ounce bottle can do between 50-60 sheets. When doing multiple sheets at a time, the liquid may stretch even further.
Note: You can reuse the left over Bubble Jet Set until the last drop is gone. It is important to remember to put the top on the bottle after you have finished using it.
Note: Fabrics can be cut to printer size first or cut afterwards.

1. Soak 100% cotton or 100% silk fabric (NO polyblends or other fabric combinations) in Bubble Jet Set 2000 for 5 minutes. It does not matter what kind of container you use for soaking. It can be either a flat pan or a bowl. Reports from some users state that they feel they save liquid by applying BJS 2000 directly on the fabric while it is laying flat on something like a cookie sheet -- one customer said she had excellent results by using a zip lock bag.

2. Air dry fabric. Some report success with letting it hang to dry, others report that they keep it flat on a towel to dry .

3. In a RUSH to start printing? Aren't we all.Manufacturer states that a blow dryer maybe be used to dry the soaked fabric.

4. Iron your fabric smooth with regular fabric setting for fabric type, then apply to freezer paper for stability to run through printer.

NOTE: Iron the shiny side of the freezer paper to the wrong side of the fabric.

5. If not precut to size, do it now, cut fabric to paper size accepted by printer.

6. If you have multiple settings for ink, the Bubble Jet Set Rep states the highest quality printout will give the greatest penetration of fabric fibers resulting in a brighter printout.

NOTE: I would also suggest that you experiment with Ink Settings to determine the best printout from your printer.

*IMPORTANT:

Generic Inkjet Cartridge: The Bubble Jet Set Rep recommends that the setting time needs to be longer for success, perhaps 24 hours would be a good idea.

We have had 2 reports of generic cartridges for Inkjet printers that have bled when using BJS. So our suggestion is to do a test with the 24 hour setting time and then decide. If the test is not successful (fading and bleeding), we recommend using brand name inkjet cartridges that are more stable.

7. Send through printer, this may require some careful watching as not every printer likes the heavier thickness. Some find running a folded over piece of tape along the edge that feeds into the printer is helpful. Test without tape first, because it certainly is easier.

8. REQUIRED: Let the fabric printout set for 30 minutes.

NOTE: If using generic inks, increase the setting time to 24 hours. When the process is complete, TEST for colorfastness because we here at Soft Expressions have had 2 reports of generic inks that have bled.

9. REQUIRED: To remove excess inks from printout, peel the freezer paper from the printed fabric and do a 3-5 minute vigorous wash in COLD water and final rinse of printout by hand or washing machine. NOTE: If excess ink is not removed, the inks will bleed later.

For the Wash use cold water with Bubble Jet Rinse or a mild soap that contains NO sodium bicarbonate like Orvus Paste or Ensure by Mountain Mist.

IMPORTANT for washing machines: There have been reports that some washing machine's agitation is too strong and is pulling the inks off the surface of the fabric when doing the final wash and rinse. If you have unexpected fading when using the washing machine, then use hand washing and rinsing.

The product developer is currently doing tests with major washing companies to determine how they effect recently dyed items. They have found some cases where fading is the result of strong washing machine agitation. If this is your problem, then please wash by hand and your results will be great.

IMPORTANT Hand Washing: DO NOT stop moving the fabric. Keep up a vigorous washing and rotating of the printout in the cold water for 3-5 minutes. Please time.

Bubble Jet Rinse to be used for the WASH:

If washing by hand, use 2 caps or 1 oz. in large container or sink.

If using the washing machine: For small washing load, use 2 caps or 1 oz. of Bubble Jet Rinse. Larger loads, add 4 caps full or 2 oz. of Bubble Jet Rinse in the washing machine when washing your fabric.

What is Bubble Jet Rinse and how does it work?

Do a final rinse in cold water.
After completing the REQUIRED final wash and rinse of the printout, test for colorfast.

WOW, simple!

How much color loss should I expect when doing the after-wash of the Bubble Jet Set printout?

It is very important to understand results may vary depending on what type of printer you may have. The Bubble Jet Set distributors have tested many different brands and have found that Cannon gives the least amount of color lost compared to any other printer. However, this also depends on what mode you print in because if your printer has the capability to put more ink on the fabric then your image will appear to be brighter. Simply the more ink the printer can put on the fabric the better the picture will be. Not all printers have this capability and it assumes it is printing on paper. The fabric will absorb most of the ink and it will appear to have faded but in reality the fabric is heavier than paper.

IN ALL CASES the manufacture testing on all multiple brands of printers has found nothing greater than 10% loss.

FAQs About Bubble Jet Rinse

Bubble Jet Rinse is excellent for STOPPING the Bleeding Dyes in Fabrics - Fading - Spotting - Removing Waxes - Removing Knitting Oils and Removing Mill-Dirt from all types of Yarns and Fabrics!

What is Bubble Jet Rinse?

Bubble Jet Rinse is mild detergent that does not have any harsh chemicals like sodium carbonate, perfumes or bleaches which are primary reasons why fabrics fade after washing. Bubble Jet Rinse is perfect for direct ink and dye applications like inkjet printers and copiers.

How does Bubble Jet Rinse work differently than detergents?

Bubble Jet Rinse does NOT pull ink and dyes off fabric like detergents thus, Bubble Jet Rinse prevents dye removal in aftercare wash or fabric prewashing.

How? Washing with Bubble Jet Rinse does just the opposite of detergents because when it comes in contact with the dyes molecules on the fabric, it creates a stronger chemical bond between the inks/dyes and the fibers in the fabric. This helps to prevent the dyes from being pulled off the fabric and slows down fading in printouts, fabrics and quilts.

Why use Bubble Jet Rinse when washing Bubble Jet Set Printouts?

Inkjet printouts made permanent by using the Bubble Jet Set solution are still more delicate than regularly dyed fabrics, thus it is even more important to retain the bonding between the ink dyes of the printout with the fibers. Using Bubble Jet Rinse in the wash adds a longer life to the printout by creating additional chemical bonding between the ink dyes and the fibers so they do not wash away with aftercare washings.

REMEMBER: Detergents attract the recently set inks in Bubble Jet Set printouts thus hastening fading.

When should I use Bubble Jet Rinse?

Because Bubble Jet Rinse is a washing agent that can used in place of soap. It is good to use for the following:

Use to wash quilts to help prevent any fading caused by washing. This will not stop fading caused by light.
Prewash fabrics to help stop bleeding in its tracks.
Use Bubble Jet Set 2000 and Bubble Jet Rinse together to stop bleeding in commercial fabric, trims, threads and yarns. For additional information refer to instructions above.

We have had questions about the toxicity of Bubble Jet Set.

The manufacturer statement regarding this issue indicates that BJS products are to be treated as common household products. It can be opened in the house and you do not need any special precautions to use the product. But we recommend the use of rubber gloves and open windows when using. The product is 85% water and contains many laundry detergent ingredients.

Your direct feedback about Bubble Jet Set 2000 and Bubble Jet Rinse is wanted and listened to.

If you have disappointing results, please contact the product developer below, the information will be used when developing formulas and instructions for the product.
Feedback resulted in the new formula found in Bubble Jet Set 2000 with its stronger bonding and shorter processing time.
Feedback brought the addition of Bubble Jet Rinse to the product line.
Feedback about leaking caps has resulted the heat setting of the caps to prevent leakage during shipping and storage.
If you have any feedback for the manufacturer, send it to: Jerome Jenkins, C. Jenkins Neckties, 39 S. Schlueter Ave., Dellwood, MO 63135, Phone: 314-521-7544, neckties@i1.net

Pigmented Inks VS. Dye Based Inks
by C. Jenkins the manufacturer's of Bubble Jet Set 2000 and Bubble Jet Rinse

We have had tons of questions, concerns and problems concerning the new Epson C82 printer. However, to explain and answer these questions we must look deep into the types of inks that are used by this printer and explain the difference between all other printers.

What is the difference between pigmented ink and dye based inks?

All ink jet printer inks used in home and most businesses use similar formulation of inks. The basic make-up of ink jet inks is de-ionized water as the solvent, isopropyl alcohol or glycol as the drying agent, and dye base to provide the color. These materials as well as proprietary ingredients are mixed in various proportions to form ink jet inks. Depending on the page speed, print head design and color capabilities, the actual proportion of ingredients will vary. All dye-based ink jet ink formations have the same problem, they lack water resistance.

Then there is the Epson C82

The introduction of the Epson pigmented inks changed this, instead of using water soluble dye to provide color, pigmented inks use small particles suspended in the base solution to provide the color. To keep the particles from setting out of the solution the pigment particles are coated with a polymer material to generate a static charge around the particle, there by keeping the particles from clumping. The main advantage of pigmented inks: Once they set up fully on the print media they are virtually water proof The ink is less susceptible to bleeding and wicking on the paper fibers. The disadvantages: Pigmented ink in black tend to have a charcoal appearance and so far color inks are very expensive to produce, costing 2 to 4 times the cost of dye based inks.

How the rules change when printing on fabric.

For all accounts pigment inks appear to be 100% permanent when printing on fabric with no post treatment. However, many of you have found that this is not totally true. The truth of the matter is the inks are simply water resistance. Which mean if you splash water on the fabric or quickly submerge the fabric into water it will have no immediate color lost.

However, if you wash the fabric in any type of detergent (mild or regular) the results will be terrible and will leave your image spotty, dull and very faded. The problem is simple. Pigment inks cannot take abrasion very well (crocking problem). As a result, when you rub up against fabric that was printed with the Epson C82 it would come off very easily. The pigment particles are clinging to each other as well as the fabric. So it is simple to rub against the fabric and transfer these particles unto another piece of fabric.

The Basic Understanding.

A dye based ink jet printer may give some better results.This depends on your projects and items you are printing. But remember if you are looking to achieve a true permanency and this item will be washed or is a wearable item. Then a dye based printer is what you want (such as HP printers).

However, if you are making a wall hanging and it will never be washed. Then the Epson C82 printer with pigment inks will give you a better performance. It will be splash resistance and light fastness. Although they claim up to eight years on the light fastness, the results will vary with different fabrics. Even if you loose 20 years, 60 years would still be a good buy.

Overview of Printer

Optimized for plain paper printing
DuraBrite™ Inks for light-resistance up to 80 years¹ and water-resistant output 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi using RPM™ Up to 22 ppm black text¹ for increased productivity
High-speed performance, long lasting results
The EPSON Stylus C82 is the ideal printer for a busy lifestyle, whether in the
Home or Small Office. It saves you money, increases productivity, gives
durable, high-quality output, and provides options for your favorite
applications--all for a great price.
Saves you money: The EPSON Stylus C82 uses individual ink cartridges and
provides outstanding output on plain paper.
Increases productivity: Lightning-fast print speed - up to 22
pages-per-minute¹
Produces durable output with DuraBrite™ Inks:Prints with light-resistance up to 80 years¹ on specialty paper. You even get 70-year light-resistance¹ on
ordinary plain paper. The EPSON Stylus C82 also delivers water-resistant prints, so you don't need to worry about spills or moisture damage to your
valuable documents or photos.
Provides ultra-high resolution: 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi using Resolution
Performance Management technology for highest quality prints
Prints borderless photos on EPSON 4" x 6" Glossy Photo Paper: Quick, convenient photo printing