What is the Difference Between Dye Ink, Pigment Ink and Sublimation Ink

"What is the difference between sublimation ink, dye ink, and pigment ink?"

1. Dye-based ink

It's liquid colorants mixed in a solution.
It has better color contrast than pigment and sublimation ink.
Most commonly used in document printing.
The least able to resist fading (25-30 years).


2. Pigment ink

It's particle colorants suspended in a solution.
It can resist fading more than dye ink -for up to ~200 years.
"Sits" on top of the printed surface instead of permeated into it. Best natural fabrics that would crinkle if it absorbs ink with a heat press machine.
Has a narrower color gamut.


3. Sublimation ink

It's water-soluble ink that is turned into gas in order for it to permeate into the surface (polyester, ceramic, etc) to be printed on.
Requires special coating to withstand washing, cracking and peeling.


Note: You should not use pigment inks in printers built for dye inks. The material used to produce pigment inks will soon clog up dye-based printers. Dye ink is made by dissolving the color substrates in liquid. However, pigment ink contains undissolved, solid particulates. It is these particulates that are responsible for clogging up the dye-based printers.