
Many inkjet printers use two black inks: one pigment-based and one dye-based. The pigment-based black ink is primarily used for text or plain paper, while the dye-based black ink is used on images and “coated” paper. Using both inks improves print quality and increases text longevity.
We often get asked why a printer would need both pigment and dye black inks, so let’s answer that below.
What Is A Pigment Black Ink?
Pigment ink consists of solid particles suspended in a liquid carrier and can be available in all printer ink colours, cyan, magenta, yellow and black. Unlike dye-based inks, which dissolve completely in liquid, pigment inks keep their particle form. This unique build makes pigment ink more effective for specific printing tasks, especially text on plain paper.
When Does My Printer Use Pigment Black Ink?
Pigment black ink is automatically used in specific printing situations, where clarity, durability and professionalism are essential.
- Text-Heavy Documents: Pigment ink ensures sharp and legible text, even on plain paper, when printing documents like reports, contracts, and essays.
- Archival Prints: For documents that need to be stored long-term, pigment ink’s resistance to fading and smudging will ensure that the print quality will remain even when archived.
- High-Speed Printing: Pigment ink dries quicker than dye-based ink, reducing the amount of smudging when printing at high speeds.
Benefits Of Pigment Black Ink
Superior Text Clarity & Sharpness
Pigment black ink is designed to sit on the paper’s surface, rather than being absorbed into the material. This ensures the edges of what is printed remain crisp and defined, making it ideal for printing text-heavy documents, charts or diagrams.
Exceptional Durability
A stand-out feature of pigment black ink is its resistance to smudging, fading and water. Whether you’re printing documents to archive, or need long-lasting prints that can withstand handling, pigment inks ensure longevity and durability. This is especially important for official documents and contracts that need to be kept at a professional standard.
Better Compatibility With Plain Paper
If you often print on plain paper, pigment black inks are your best friend. Unlike dye-based inks, which can have a very slight bleed or feather on uncoated paper. Pigment ink stays as it is, leaving clear, crisp lines on all paper types.
Professional Appearance
Pigment black ink produces rich, deep blacks, that leave a polished and professional look to your prints. This is important on business documents, resumes and presentations where impressions matter.
What Is The Difference Between Pigment Black Ink and Black Dye Ink?
If a printer has two black inks, one is pigment-based and one is dye-based. Pigment black ink is automatically used in specific printing situations, where clarity, durability and professionalism are essential.
- Text-Heavy Documents: Pigment ink ensures sharp and legible text, even on plain paper, when printing documents like reports, contracts, and essays.
- Archival Prints: For documents that need to be stored long-term, pigment ink’s resistance to fading and smudging will ensure that the print quality will remain even when archived.
- High-Speed Printing: Pigment ink dries quicker than dye-based ink, reducing the amount of smudging when printing at high speeds.
Why Your Printer Needs Both
Many modern inkjet printers include both pigment black and dye black ink cartridges to take advantage of their unique strengths. Here’s why:
- Optimized for Different Paper Types – Pigment ink performs best on plain paper for documents, while dye ink excels on glossy or coated photo paper.
- Best of Both Worlds – By utilizing both types, your printer produces high-quality text and rich, detailed images without sacrificing durability or vibrancy.
- Longevity and Performance – Pigment black ink keeps documents clear and legible for years, while dye black ink delivers deep black and smooth gradients for stunning visuals.
How To Choose The Right Ink For Your Needs
Your printer automatically selects the best black ink based on the paper type and content of your print. If printing an image on photo paper, it will use black dye ink. However, for text on plain paper, it will apply pigment black ink.
Verdict
Pigment black isn’t just a “second black” it’s a vital component for achieving high-quality, durable and professional-looking prints. Whether you’re printing important documents, homework or archival materials, a pigment black ink can make all the difference.
We’ve explained why a printer has a pigment black ink, and what it can do for documents, but what about photos? We also have a blog answering “Is it Better to Print your Photos with Dye or Pigment Based Ink?“
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