Dye-based inks

Dye, unlike pigment, dissolves completely in solution (pigment-based inks leave tiny particles floating in the solution). This means that dye-based inks are entirely absorbed into the paper that they are printed on – the image is in fact a highly controlled stain. The resulting images can thus appear very slick and even, with a vast range of subtle colours and extremely fine detail. However, dye-based inks are more susceptible to the harmful effects of UV light than pigment-based inks, and should be kept out of direct sunlight. And since they are soluble they should also be kept away from water, which causes them to run. Images printed with archival dye-based inks onto archival paper will last for at least 70 years if stored in the proper conditions.

Similar Posts

  • Selenium process

    Selenium gelatin photogram: see photogram and selenium toning. Selenium toned gelatin print: See silver gelatin print and selenium toning. Selenium toned photogram: see photogram and selenium toning. Selenium toning: A type of toning using the metal selenium to replace silver salts. Used both for the aesthetic benefits of a slightly warmer tone and greatly improved archival properties

  • Autochrome

    The autochrome is an early color photography process, patented the 17th December 1903 by Auguste and Louis Lumière. Before the commercialization, they diffused the autochrome technique to some favored photographers, like Sergey Prokudin-Gorsky. The commercialization started in 1907 and the technique was used between 1907 and about 1932. A lot of photos of the First World…