
How to Print Edible Images with a Canon TS705a – Step-by-Step Guide for Cake Decorators
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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
- Unbox and remove all protective tape and orange clips
- Install Watson & Webb edible cartridges (ignore Canon warnings)
- Run Print Head Alignment from the Maintenance menu
- Run a Nozzle Check to confirm ink flow
- 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
- Design your image at 300 dpi (RGB mode)
- Use the “Edible Print” preset settings above
- Print from the rear tray – watch for smooth feed
- 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.