Dye-based inks are made from a color-based colorant dissolved in a liquid, typically water or glycol. It was common in the 2000s, with almost all the home and commercial copiers using the dye type then. The dye-based ink still enjoys widespread use, primarily for low-volume use, due to the significantly lower cost and more availability, compared to pigment-based ink.
The printer sprays the dye-based ink on the paper surface depending on the required image,
The solvent quickens the ink penetration on the paper surface with instant drying- an advantage in printing as it prevents ink flow and smudging. The fact that the dye seeps under the paper surface results in more vibrant, crisp images and sharp, rich, and clear text.
Dye-based ink can be used on any paper type, though it works best for gloss, semi-gloss, high gloss, and matte-finish paper. The coating on the four paper types tends to hold the ink in for a more profound and softer-toned result. It also helps prevent ink from running.
Though cheaper with vibrant results, dye-based ink prints do not last long, with a clarity lifespan of five years to 25 years before fading, with a shorter duration if exposed to water or sunlight. Also, with time, the ink tends to soak further into the paper, leading to dye spread, which blurs fine lines and small fonts, though the larger text may be unaffected. Another disadvantage is wrinkling on the reverse side of the printed page due to deeper ink absorption in the paper. However, despite the cons, when appropriately used, dye-based inks produced quality, vibrant colored prints.
Meanwhile, pigment-based inks consist of water-insoluble color particles or fine powder in a suspension or liquid carrier such as a resin, resulting in a more viscous ink than the water-soluble type. The ink does not penetrate the surface but rests on the upper porous layer of the paper.
Designed for long-lasting prints, especially professional photos, the images can last over 25 years. The ideal paper choice for pigment-based inks includes porous semi-gloss, fiber-based, and matte paper types. The pigment-based ink, however, does not pair well with high gloss paper, as the slick surface finish hinders adequate penetration of the pigment particles, leading to poor finish and significant chances of flaking over time.
Pigment-based inks have gained popularity over the years compared to dye-based types for several reasons. First, as the pigment does not penetrate the paper, there is less risk of spread and wrinkling on the reverse side.
Also, continuous improvement has increased color vibrancy, clarity, and lower costs, thereby trumping these advantages usually associated with dye-based ink. It also maintains clarity when exposed to water or sunlight, making it an ideal solution for photographs and outdoor prints. Despite the costs, pigment paper is widely used for professional graphics and photography, with increased use in recent years for technical applications like architecture and engineering industries, which traditionally used dye-based ink.