You need to replace your printer’s ink cartridges. That means you need to know whether you have a pigment ink vs dye ink printer. They use different types of printer ink, and refilling with the wrong ink may damage your printer.
Most inkjet printers use dye ink. But a few inkjets use pigment ink instead. Not sure what your printer uses? We’ve prepared this article to help you figure that out. Here are the differences between a dye vs pigment ink printer.
What’s the Difference Between Pigment and Dye Printer Ink?
Dye-based ink uses water-soluble dyes. The ink soaks into the paper as it’s sprayed from the printer nozzles.
In pigment-based ink, microscopic pigment particles are suspended in solution. The particles are much smaller in ink vs toner, but use similar pigments for coloration. Pigment ink bonds to the paper’s surface rather than soaking in.
Here are some differences between a pigment vs dye ink printer.
Pigment Ink: Durable and Precise
Pigment inks are less likely to smudge or run if the print gets wet once they are dry. They are also much more resistant to fading from UV light.
Pigment ink produces crisper text and lines. Because it is more opaque than dye ink, you get clearer, darker letters with a pigment ink vs dye ink printer.
Dye Ink: Rich Colors and Easy Flow
Dye inks produce bright, vivid colors. You get a smooth, high-gloss finish when you use glossy photo paper in a dye ink printer.
Dye inks are less likely to clog printhead nozzles. Clogging can be a problem with pigment inks, as the microscopic particles can clump up as the ink ages.
Key Technical Differences
Dye inks contain glycols that prevent the dye ink from drying in the nozzles. Those nozzles are narrower than a human hair. That means they can easily get clogged if the ink dries before reaching the page. Glycols help extend the life of your dye ink cartridge.
Slippery dispersants keep particles dispersed throughout pigment ink. This ensures a smooth flow when printing. The pigment ink forms a film that binds the particles together on the page as it dries, setting the ink and creating a longer-lasting, more durable print.
One of the big differences in dye vs pigment ink printers is resistance to light. Dye molecules break down faster than pigment microparticles when exposed to UV light. While dye ink printers can produce beautiful images, they are generally not archive-quality.
But how do I know if my printer ink is dye or pigment?
So How Do I Know if My Printer Ink is Dye or Pigment?
It’s important to know which ink your printer uses, so you don’t refill your cartridge with the wrong ink.
If you want to transfer ink from one cartridge to another, make sure your inks are compatible. Using the wrong ink can lead to leakage, clogging and even serious printer damage. And every manufacturer has different ways of how to put ink in their printer.
Here are some ways to figure out what ink your printer needs.
Check the Manufacturer’s Website or Product Box
The instructions for how to change ink in an Epson printer won’t work if you have a Canon or HP inkjet printer. Your manufacturer’s website will help you identify your printer. You can also check your printer settings on your computer. They will usually include the model name.
Once you know whether you have a pigment ink vs dye ink printer, you will be able to find your printer’s recommended ink.
Look for Clues in the Ink Name
Some names manufacturers may use for dye inks:
- Dye-based
- Vivid
- Photo
They often label pigment inks:
- Pigment-based
- Archival
- Fade-Resistant
But be careful! There are no standard naming conditions for printer inks. There are “photo” inks that use pigment, and not all pigment inks resist fading. While a name can give you some idea of how the ink is made, you should always do your research to make sure.
Examine Your Printer Model
Your printer’s manual will provide a list of compatible ink cartridges. This will help you to determine whether you have a pigment vs dye ink printer. If you can’t find your manual, check the manufacturer’s website for a PDF copy.
You should always have your printer manual available. It not only helps you purchase the right ink. It also provides basic maintenance instructions like how to reset your ink cartridge.
Print Behavior Can Provide Clarity
Print a document on matte paper. Examine the print with a magnifying glass. You probably have a dye ink printer if you see signs of feathering or bleeding. On the other hand, you probably have a pigment printer if your print looks clear and sharp. But verify that by checking your printer model.
Run a Water Test (Optional but Telling)
The water test is a good way to tell whether you have a pigment vs dye ink printer. Print a document or photo and let it dry for a few hours. Then place a drop of water onto the print or color area. Wait a few seconds, then smudge the wet area gently with a cotton swab.
The dye in dye-based printer ink is water-soluble. You will likely see smudging and smearing as it redissolves in the water. Pigment-based ink will typically show little to no smudging or bleeding.
Pigment vs Dye Ink Printer: Is One Style Better Than the Other?
When it comes to choosing a pigment vs dye ink printer, the quality of the printer matters as much as the ink it uses. Both types can produce excellent prints and give you years of solid, reliable service. That being said, there are certain things that each style does better.
Choose Pigment Ink If You Need Durability
There’s no comparison between a pigment vs dye ink printer when it comes to long-lasting prints. Pigment prints are more light-resistant and less likely to get smeared or blurry. They’re also a better choice if you want archival quality.
Choose Dye Ink If You Want Vivid Color Output
In a contest between dye vs pigment ink printers, dye wins for its vivid, brightly-colored prints. High-quality color pigment ink printers can produce gorgeous pictures, but they still don’t match up to the best dye ink prints.
Hybrid Printer Systems Do Exist
How do you know if your printer ink is dye or pigment? Maybe it’s both. Some inkjet printers use black pigment ink alongside cyan, yellow, and magenta dye ink. This gives your prints deep, sharp blacks combined with vivid colors.
Cost Considerations
Dye ink printers are commonly aimed at the entry and midrange print market. They tend to be more affordable than pigment printers aimed at professional photographers and archivists. Pigment inks are also generally more expensive than dye inks.
Hybrid printer systems are a good alternative for people who want the precision of black pigment ink with vivid dye ink colors at a reasonable price.
Wrapping Up Our Dye vs Pigment Ink Printer Comparison
Knowing what type of ink your printer uses can prevent printer damage or malfunction. It can also save you from buying ink cartridges you can’t use.
If you have surplus ink cartridges taking up space in your closet, SellToner is happy to buy them from you. We buy cartridges from Inkjet, HP, Brother, Lexmark, Canon, Epson, Xerox, Konica Minolta, and many other brands, and offer up to $350 per cartridge.
So long as your ink cartridges aren’t expired, we will take them off your hands. (Cartridges with less than nine months before expiration will receive a lower offer). Your cartridges must be packed in the original, unopened box.
With our system of toner reverse logistics, we can offer an immediate fair surplus price. We’ll take as many spare inkjet cartridges as you have. And if you just retired your old laser printer, you can also sell toner cartridges for cash. Check out our website for an immediate offer.
