FAQ: What’s the Difference Between Dye-Based and Pigment Ink?

Most inkjet printers use dye-based inks, but some photographers prefer pigment-based for a variety of reasons. Let’s first talk about the differences of pigment vs dye ink, what each kind of ink is, and then the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Dye-based inks are the standard ink type for inkjet printers (and the toner vs ink debate is an entirely different conversation). They consist of colorant that is fully dissolved and suspended in liquid. Pigmented ink consists of a very fine powder of solid colorant particles suspended in a liquid carrier.

Pigment vs Dye Ink

Until a few years ago, the key advantages of dye-based inks was a wider color range and lower cost. Meanwhile, its disadvantages were that it was water soluble (a single drop of water could ruin a print) and that prints would fade faster. Pigmented inks, conversely, lasted longer and were more water-resistant, but had less color depth and were more expensive.

Today, however, there is little difference between current dye-based and pigmented inks, with the slight edge going to pigmented inks. Steady improvements in the inks’ formulas have addressed the shortcomings of both types. Current generation inks from name-brand manufacturers are generally fade-resistant to last a lifetime when used with the recommended paper.

Generally, pigment ink is ideal for pro users, while lower cost dye-based inks are for enthusiasts. Black and white photographers tend to prefer pigmented inks. However, a casual look at side-by-side prints will reveal only subtle differences that may only be appreciated by professional and serious amateur photographers. Even so, many pro printers are more than satisfied with dye-based prints.

What is pigment ink best for?

Pigment ink is best for “professional” quality work. It tends to be more durable and archival. It is usually more resistant to the damaging effects of UV light and is also more scratch resistant. Many photographers who make black and white prints often tend to favor pigment inks because of their ability to output a wider range of monochrome shades. However, pigment ink may not be as durable in the outdoor setting, but this is debatable. Laminating a print for outdoor will prolong its life. If you need the highest quality, most durable prints to display in an indoor setting, then pigment ink is the better option.

Can you use pigment ink in any printer?

You should not use pigment inks in printers built for dye inks. The material used to produce pigment inks will soon clog up dye-based printers. Dye ink is made by dissolving the color substrates in liquid. However, pigment ink contains undissolved, solid particulates. It is these particulates that are responsible for clogging up the dye-based printers.

There are a few printers that accept both dye and pigment ink, but they are rare and often small and limited to printing labels. When shopping for a printer, you should first decide if you need a pigment vs dye-based ink printer.

Which is better: dye vs pigment ink?

There is no right answer to this question. It all depends on your requirements, preferences, and tolerances. The shortcomings of each have decreased over the years with advancing technology.

Dye based printers tend to be less expensive and more readily available than pigment ink counterparts. If you need the absolute best quality prints that will last the longest time and you don’t mind paying extra for the equipment and ink, then a pigment ink printer is the better choice.

Also, if you mostly make professional quality black and white prints, then you may want to opt for a pigment ink printer because of the increased monochrome dynamic range.

Tips for better prints (no matter what you use):

If you use a printer’s recommended ICC profiles for the combination of paper and ink that you are using, image quality should be consistent when comparing dye and pigmented ink prints.

Epson makes both dye-based and pigment-based inks. Its UltraChrome Hi-Gloss, used in its high-end Stylus Photo R1800 printer, is pigment-based and is rated to last 250 years. Meanwhile, Epson’s Claria Hi-Definition, which is used in printers like its Epson Stylus Photo 1400, is claimed to last 98 years. Canon and HP also offer both dye and pigment-based inks and compatible printers.

Don’t change inks in midstream!

The one major caveat about inkjet printer inks is that you should only use the kind of ink recommended for your printer. Pigment-based inks will quickly clog the ink jets of a printer that is designed for dye-based ink.