Initial print quality between dye and pigment ink is virtually the same. Both the vibrancy and colour reproduction look very similar. It is hard to tell the difference between dye and pigment ink when comparing quality not looking side by side.
All inks, whether dye or pigment, will begin to fade over time. Dye ink, generally, is recommended for indoor use on products. If exposed daily to direct sunlight or bright indoor lights, dye inks may start to fade quickly.
Pigment ink has a superior UV resistance and therefore is selected when many years of indoor use or up to two years of outdoor life is required with little fading.
Dye inks are able to provide softer colours which look more vivid and brilliant than the pigment ink. They may come off when in contact with water unless printed on special coated label material. The print is water-resistant as long as the label does not rub against anything disturbing. When it comes to quality generally spoken dye ink wins.
Pigment inks tend to be lighter in colour than dye they are more water-resistant while producing a truer solid black than dye. The pigment ink holds its colour, quality and vibrancy better than dye.
At the end of the day, your choice depends upon two things – what kind of things you want to print and how much you are willing to pay.
- Choose pigment if you want longevity.
- Choose pigment if your prints will see a lot of sunlight.
- Choose pigment if you’re printing on glossy paper.
- Choose dye if colour quality is important.
- Choose dye if price is a concern.
- Choose dye if you want to avoid smudging.