Epson 87 Ink Cartridges
Epson 87 ink cartridges deliver high-gloss, archival print performance for your Epson Stylus Photo R1900 printer. Featuring an 8-colour UltraChrome Hi-Gloss 2 pigment system with Gloss Optimiser, Photo Black, Matte Black, and specialty Orange and Red inks, these individual cartridges allow targeted replacement based on tone depletion. Our 4.8 Google Star rating shows that our customers consistently receive high-quality cartridges backed by reliable performance.
Understanding Epson 87 cartridge page yields
Declared page yields for Epson 87 inks follow ISO/IEC testing standards using 5% page coverage. In photo printing, actual ink consumption depends heavily on image colour density, paper finish, and printable area, with Gloss Optimiser and Photo Black usage varying significantly based on paper type.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87 | Standard | Black | 520 | $0.050 |
| 87 | Standard | Photo Black | 5,630 | $0.005 |
| 87 | Standard | Cyan | 915 | $0.028 |
| 87 | Standard | Magenta | 915 | $0.028 |
| 87 | Standard | Yellow | 915 | $0.028 |
| 87 | Standard | Orange | 915 | $0.028 |
| 87 | Standard | Red | 915 | $0.028 |
| 87 | Standard | Gloss optimiser | 3,615 | $0.006 |
Cost Per Page = Total Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield (at 5% coverage). Prices based on Genuine cartridges.
Managing your photo ink supplies
If you print mainly glossy photo prints, keep extra Gloss Optimiser (T0870) cartridges ready as it covers the full image surface. If you print matte fine art, ensure you stock Matte Black (T0878) to avoid stops mid-job. Buy your genuine Epson ink cartridges online with confidence knowing our full 90-day returns policy protects your purchase. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99, dispatched fast from local warehouses in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide.
Pro Tip
Gloss Optimiser (T0870) is applied over pigmented inks on glossy media to eliminate gloss differential and bronzing. If you print primarily on high-gloss photo paper, Gloss Optimiser will deplete faster than individual colour cartridges, so always keep a spare on hand to prevent unexpected print halts.
Match Your Printing Habits to the Right Epson 87 Ink Cartridge Pack
If only one colour has run dry, there's no need to replace the rest - a single Genuine 87 cartridge (from $20.46) is the lowest-cost way to keep printing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Gloss Optimiser (T0870) run out faster than standard colour cartridges?
Gloss Optimiser clear coat is applied across the entire surface of glossy and semi-gloss prints to ensure equal surface sheen. Because it covers high-density colour and highlight areas alike, it consumes faster per print than individual chromatic inks.
Do I need both Photo Black (T0871) and Matte Black (T0878) installed simultaneously?
Yes, the Epson Stylus Photo R1900 printer requires both T0871 Photo Black and T0878 Matte Black cartridges to be present in the printhead assembly at all times to operate, switching automatically depending on the selected paper driver setting.
What is the primary function of Red (T0877) and Orange (T0879) inks in this series?
Specialty Red and Orange pigment inks expand the colour gamut significantly in warm tonal ranges, producing natural skin tones and vibrant autumnal colours without relying on heavy magenta and yellow ink blending.
Is Epson 87 the same as cartridge code T0871?
Yes, Epson 87 refers to the overall cartridge series name, while codes like T0871 (Photo Black) or T0870 (Gloss Optimiser) designate the specific colour part numbers within the series.
