Dye based versus pigment based inks

It is hard enough for professionals to understand the lingo behind which type of ink is better: dye based or pigment based. Both use water and both are sprayed on the paper. The main difference is dye based ink consists of a dye mixed in with the water (and other chemicals) until the dye becomes part of the liquid ink. Pigment inks, on the other hand, contain very fine particles of pigment that remain solid and are suspended within the ink formula. For most situations, either ink will provide excellent results; however, professionals tend to use pigment based ink systems which cost more, but provide improved longevity, are more resistant to humidity, and offer better color accuracy and image sharpness.

Industry surveys show that most snapshots end up displayed on the family refrigerator. As more families switch to digital cameras, it makes sense that ink jet prints will end up replacing those snapshots. Since these prints are primarily for personal enjoyment, and they can be easily reprinted is someone splashes water on them, or they drop on the floor and get stepped on, longevity is not a real concern.

Regardless of whether its a framed image of New England, the Southwest, or Alaska, or a note card collection, Geist Arts, is concerned about making those images last the owner's lifetime. Pigment based inks, according to Wilhelm Imaging Research, the recognized experts on print longevity, last up to 100 years or more when matched to the proper paper combinations. We use an Epson R1800 with 8-color Epson UltraChrome Hi-Gloss™ pigment inks and either Epson and Ilford professional ink jet papers for all our work. In addition to the long lasting vibrant colors, when mounted properly our images are both water and airborne pollution resistant.