Universal Dye Ink Most inkjet or desktop printers use dye-based inks, but some photographers prefer pigment-based for a variety of reasons. Dye-based inks are the standard ink type used in inkjet printers. Pigmented ink consists of a very fine powder of solid colorant particles suspended in a liquid carrier. Let’s first talk about what each kind of ink is, and then the advantages and disadvantages of each. Difference between Dye Ink and Pigment ink The key advantages of dye-based inks was a wider color range and lower cost, while its disadvantages were that it was water soluble and that prints would fade faster. The majority of inkjet printers used by photographers, designers, businesses, and homes use water based inks that are dye. With pigment ink, color comes from very fine solid particles that are suspended in the carrier fluid. Pigmented inks, conversely, lasted longer and were more water-resistant, but had less color depth and were more expensive compared to dye ink.
