Whats the difference between pigment-based printer inks and dye-based printer inks?
The three prominent categories of ink on the market today are “Dye-Based,” “Pigment-Based” and hybrid inks (sometimes called “pigmented” inks.) Each has advantages and disadvantages. With Dye-Based inks their coloration is dissolved in a liquid. This allows the ink to be fairly thin and flow easily into a paper’s receiving layer. Pigment-based inks have an insoluble powder pigment suspended (not dissolved) in an liquid vehicle. Thus, the color is more stable and resists fading much longer than dye-based ink. The most recent advancement in inkjet printers is the hybrid (or pigmented) inks which combines the vibrancy of dye inks and longevity of pigment inks. The result is great color and respectable longevity — up to 75 years, which is equivalent to what the best color photographic papers offer. For more information, visit the Teacher’s Lounge page on the topic.
