Cartridge: HP 21/54

Type: Sponge

Ink Volume:

  • HP 21/54 – 8mL

Cartridge Color: Black

Materials Required

  • Empty or Partially Filled Cartridge
  • Black Refill Ink
  • Disposable Glove
  • Paper Towel
  • Syringe and Needle
  • Printhead Cleaning Wipes

1. Before beginning, ensure that the cartridge is refilled on top of a non-absorbent, easy to clean material (like a sink).

2. Partially remove the identification label from the top of the cartridge until all the holes are revealed as in the provided reference picture below (Note: Peel the label starting from the top left or top right)

3. Fill the syringe with the proper amount of ink . For a standard 3cc syringe, you may need to fill it up to 3 times. (Note: 1ml = 1cc)

4. Insert the needle no more than an inch into the hole as shown in the picture reference. Avoid wiggling or shaking the needle during this process to reduce potential damage to the cartridge. Once inside, slowly inject the ink as to make sure that it does not overflow due to residual ink on the cartridge sponge. If the ink begins to spill out from the top of the cartridge pull the syringe back ½ ml and stop.

5. It is normal for the printhead to drip excess ink for a short time. During this period do not allow the printhead to have direct contact with an absorbent material such as a paper towel as this will cause the cartridge to continue leaking. Wait until the dripping has ceased before dabbing off excess ink from the printhead with a soft cloth or a towel.

6. Use the provided Printhead Cleaning Wipes to clean the bottom of the cartridge. If you run out of the provided wipes, you may use a damp cotton cloth with water or rubbing alcohol to achieve a similar result.

7. Seal the top of the cartridge using the original identification label.

8. Insert the cartridge back into the printer. It is normal for the printer to display a low ink notification after the refill process. This does not affect the cartridge’s ability to print but if you would like to reset the counter, please refer to step 9 and 10.

9. Cover the gold contact as shown in red in the reference picture for step 1 with tape. After re-inserting the cartridge into the printer, it will begin by performing a print alignment. Once this step is complete, proceed to the next step.

10. Once the alignment is complete remove the cartridge from the printer. Cover the gold contact as shown in red in the reference picture for step 2 with tape. Do not remove the tape from the previous step. The printer will begin performing another print alignment. Allow this step to complete and proceed by removing the cartridge from the printer. This time, remove both pieces of tape and place the cartridge back into the printer. The counter should reset back to full.

11. Print 5 to settle the cartridge and test for printing irregularities. Alternatively, you may print a color picture or a black text document to test the  color or black cartridge, respectively. It is also recommended to run the Alignment Tool or Cleaning Tool from the printer. Most printers with an LCD display will have this option available in the settings menu. Printers without a display will generally have this setting under Printer Preferences/Settings from the PC/Mac.

12. 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).