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    Differences Between Pigment Ink and Dye Ink Printing

    Pigment ink contains particulate, water-insoluble colouring materials. Because the pigment particles remain on the paper surface and do not dissolve in water, prints made with pigment ink are less prone to blurring, even when exposed to moisture.

    Dye ink, on the other hand, is made from water-soluble colouring materials. As the ink seeps into the paper fibers, it produces smoother finishes without surface roughness, resulting in more vivid and vibrant colours compared to pigment ink.

    When printing on glossy paper, pigment ink can sometimes create uneven glossiness. This effect is caused by light dispersion due to the varying height of the ink particles on the paper surface. To address this, Canon’s PRO printers use Chroma Optimizer, a transparent ink that evenly coats the print surface, helping to achieve consistent and uniform glossiness.

    Pigment Ink

    Dye Ink
    Benefits
    • Water resistant and less blurring
    • Prints have excellent stability and longevity
    • Excellent color saturation on gloss paper
    • Faster printing speed
    Disadvantages
    • Print on gloss paper may produce uneven appearance due to reflection
    • Weak against rubbing and peeling
    • Weak against water and easily blurs
    • Some types of dye ink show less print stability and longevity compared with pigment ink
    Tips
    • Use Chroma Optimizer to eliminate the uneven ink surface
    • Avoid contact with glass and other flat surfaces in storage
    • Dry prints thoroughly until the ink becomes stable (leave 24 hours or longer before framing the picture)
    • Store in relatively air-tight conditions, such as framing with a glass cover