Comparison of dye-based inks with pigment-based inks

Dye-based inks are different from pigment-based inks in its resistance to changes brought about by water and sunlight.

Dye-based inks dissolve completely in water and will flow better in inkjet printers but due to its lower viscosity it tends to spread upon hitting the paper.

Pigmented inks settles into the paper fibres quickly and are also more water resistant than similiar dye-based products.

Special coated papers are used to accommodate this shortcoming whereby it swells in presence of ink moisture and prevents the ink from spreading. It will also protect the printing from fading due to light and atmospheric pollutions.

These swellable papers are suited for dye-based inks while another range, the porous paper are more suitable for pigment based inks because it does not have the top layer of coating to protect dye-based inks.

Another range of paper, matte coated paper are most suitable for fine art printing and are also popular with printing companies as it provides excellent protection from atmospheric contamination which can affect the results.

The molecular makeup of pigmented ink make it less reactive towards direct sunlight (lightfastness) and environment and thus it is less likely to fade compared to dye-based ink.