Homebrew PCBs

> I bought an epson R300 printer, and a Mispro yellow spongeless cart.

> After etching, the board shows just a faint image of the layout I
> tried to get, almost all the copper is gone and just small dots remain

> so that I can see the layout. I etched with a strong ferric chloride.


As there are many steps in the process it would be helpful if you could 
eliminate the ones that are OK. You may have to experiment

Prior to baking the inked image is the image on copper good?
-no pooling of ink
-visually good coverage

If so then the problem is later in the process.

Test baking the image and then determine if it is mechanically tough. 
Read the posts to determine what is being experienced after baking an 
ink that resists etching.

Will it wash off with water? 

You imply that you actually experience the ink being etched off

>almost all the copper is gone and just small dots remain
>I etched with a strong ferric chloride.

Time to experiment with a weaker solution as it may not attack the ink 
resist in the time it takes to remove the unwanted copper.

Over to you.