How to Print Edible Images with a Canon TS705a – Step-by-Step Guide for Cake Decorators

How to Print Edible Images with a Canon TS705a – Step-by-Step Guide for Cake Decorators

Why Choose the Canon TS705a for Edible Printing?

The Canon TS705a is one of the best edible printers for cake decorators. It’s compact, affordable, and delivers photo-quality prints on icing sheets and wafer paper. With a removable printhead and rear feed tray, it's ideal for edible printing using Watson & Webb edible ink and consumables.

Top Benefits:

  • High-resolution 4800 dpi printing for sharp edible images
  • Rear feed for smooth icing sheet and wafer paper loading
  • Removable printhead for easy cleaning and maintenance
  • Compatible with Watson & Webb edible inks (CLI-581/PGI-580)

What You Need to Get Started

Item Why It Matters
Complete Kit Everything you need in one easy to use package
Icing sheets & wafer paper Bright, smooth finish with no cracking
Watson & Webb edible ink Vibrant colour, food-safe and refillable
Printhead cleaning kit Helps avoid clogs and streaks

Step-by-Step Setup for Edible Printing

  1. Unbox and remove all protective tape and orange clips
  2. Install Watson & Webb edible cartridges (ignore Canon warnings)
  3. Run Print Head Alignment from the Maintenance menu
  4. Run a Nozzle Check to confirm ink flow
  5. Set paper size to A4 in the printer and print settings

Best Printer Settings for Edible Prints

  • Media Type: Glossy Photo Paper
  • Print Quality: High (not Highest)
  • Paper Source: Rear Tray
  • Disable “Detect Paper Width” in Custom Settings

How to Load Icing Sheets & Wafer Paper

Icing Sheets:

  • Peel 1 cm of the backing and fold under
  • Load with icing side up, backing down
  • Use light rear tray pressure guides

Wafer Paper:

  • Print on the textured side
  • Use “Plain Paper” and Standard quality
  • Allow 5–10 minutes drying time

Printing Your First Edible Image

  1. Design your image at 300 dpi (RGB mode)
  2. Use the “Edible Print” preset settings above
  3. Print from the rear tray – watch for smooth feed
  4. Let your print dry fully before applying to cake

Common Mistakes & Fixes

Mistake What You’ll See Fix
Banding lines Horizontal stripes Run a head clean → check nozzle pattern
Colours look wrong Red prints as brown Use Glossy Photo Paper setting
Skewed prints Image misaligned Ensure sheets are flat and guides are tight
Smudges or bleeding Wet or streaky print Lower print quality one notch
No print at all Blank sheet Check cartridge seating and ink vents

Quick Maintenance Routine

  • Weekly: Print a test image to keep ink flowing
  • Monthly: Run a Nozzle Check and Head Clean if needed
  • Idle for 2+ months: Remove and soak printhead in warm cleaning solution

FAQs

Does edible ink void the Canon warranty?

Yes, but Watson & Webb provides its own 12-month hardware warranty for peace of mind.

Can I use standard ink again after edible ink?

No – once used with edible ink, keep the printer for food use only.

How long do edible prints stay fresh?

Up to 18 months sealed. Best used on cakes within 5–7 days.


Need edible ink or icing sheets? Shop our full consumables range and create stunning edible prints with confidence.

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