Cartridge: 

  • Canon PGI-280 (Pigment) or CLI-281 Black (Dye)
  • Canon PGI-580 (Pigment) or CLI-581 Black (Dye) – European Version

Type: Sponge

Ink Volume:

  • Canon PGI-280/580 – 11.2mL
  • Canon PGI-280/580 XL – 18.5mL
  • Canon PGI-280/580 XXL – 25.7mL
  • Canon CLI-281/581 – 5.6mL
  • Canon CLI-281/581 XL – 8.3mL
  • Canon CLI-281/581 XXL – 11.7mL

Cartridge Color: Black

Materials Required:

  • Empty or Partially Empty Cartridge
  • Black Refill Ink
  • Disposable Glove
  • Paper Towels/Cotton Cloth
  • Syringe w/ Tube

1. Before beginning, ensure that the cartridge is refilled on top of a flat surface that is easy to clean and won’t stain. Place one or several folded sheets of paper towels beneath the cartridge.

2. Flip the cartridge over until the semi-oval sponges are visible.

3. Note that the PGI-280 cartridge uses pigment ink, whereas the CLI-281 cartridge uses dye ink and is slightly less viscous. Place the clear tube onto the syringe and fill the syringe until full. Slowly release the ink, drop by drop, onto the sponge of their corresponding ink cartridge. When the cartridge is empty, the sponge will immediately absorb the ink. Once it is near capacity, the sponge will absorb ink slower and may take up to a second to fully absorb. You can stop refilling at this point; oversaturating the sponge will only cause it to leak out.

4. Flip the cartridge over the paper towel and carefully shake the cartridge. There should be no ink dripping from the sponge. You can use the paper towel to absorb any excess ink.

5. Re-insert the cartridge into the printer.

6. The printer may display the two following error codes:

Error Code 1600 Error Code 1689
The ink may have run out. Replacing the ink tank is recommended. Printer detected ink out condition. Replace the ink tank.

7. The first error code (1600) can be bypassed by simply clicking OK on the printer. The second error code (1689) can be bypassed by simply holding down the STOP button on the printer until the message disappears.

8. If you are having trouble with the refill kit please refer to our comprehensive troubleshooting guide or contact us by SUBMITTING A TICKET (Click Here).