To determine which type of ink is best for each situation Primera performed several print tests and water resistance tests on the following three media types:
1. Quality
Across all label types, initial print quality between dye and pigment is virtually the same. Both the vibrancy and color reproduction look very similar. It is hard to tell the difference between dye and pigment ink when comparing quality not looking side by side. However, there are some differences:
Keep in mind that over time especially when the label is exposed to UV light, the pigment ink holds its color, quality and vibrancy better than dye so the differences above are only noticeable after an initial quality comparison. See UV Resistance below.
Quality Winner = Dye
2. Water Resistance
In general, water resistance depends greatly on the label stock and the image you are printing. Testing results are below:
Water Resistance Winner = Pigment
3. UV Resistance
All inks, whether dye or pigment, will begin to fade over time. Dye ink, generally, is recommended for indoor use on products that will be consumed in less than a year. If exposed daily to direct sunlight or bright indoor lights, dye inks can start to fade quickly.
Pigment ink has superior UV resistance. Primera’s pigment inks have been tested outdoors for more than a year with little noticeable fading. Pigment ink is usually selected when many yearsof indoor use or up to two yearsof outdoor life is required with little fading.
Long Life Durability and Color Consistency Winner = Pigment
4. Costs (As of 1-2-2019)
LX910 Pigment Ink (53493) – $76.95
LX910 Dye Ink (53492) - $74.95
All Testing done with Quality 4, 85% saturation and ICC color matching profile appropriate for the installed label stock type.