Sublimation Ink vs Pigment Ink

Both sublimation ink and pigment ink are commonly used in the printing industry. The difference between sublimation ink and pigment ink lies in how they are made, which is why sublimation ink can be applied to a more diverse set of materials than pigment ink.

Sublimation inks are created by combining solvents with dyes or pigments that evaporate when heated up. Pigment inks require an additional process of applying resin to create a coating on the paper. At the same time, sublimations do not need this step because it is already integrated into the process.

What is Sublimation Ink?

Sublimation ink is a type of dye that is used in printing processes. It is a special type of ink that is used for printing on different types of surfaces, including textiles and plastics. The main advantage of using sublimation ink is that it produces high-quality prints that are resistant to fading and peeling. Additionally, sublimation ink does not require a heat press to activate, making it a popular choice for home printers. While sublimation ink is more expensive than other types of ink, the quality and durability of prints made with it make it a worthwhile investment.

The Pros and Cons of Sublimation Ink

Sublimation ink is a type of ink that is used in printers to create images on different types of materials. This type of ink is different than other types of printer ink because it uses heat to transfer the image from the printer to the material. There are both pros and cons to using sublimation ink.

The Pros of Using Sublimation Ink

The pros of using sublimation ink include:

• The images are high quality and look very professional.
• The images are permanent and will not fade over time.
• The process is very easy and can be done at home with a standard printer.
• The images can be printed on a variety of different materials, including fabric, paper, metal, and plastic.
• Submissions work better for full-color prints than pigments, while gradients and multi-color prints may not be as effective

The Cons of Using Sublimation Ink

The cons of using sublimation ink include:

• The images are not waterproof and will not withstand exposure to moisture.
• The process can be slow, depending on the type of printer used.
• The cost of the supplies can be high, depending on the brand of ink used.
• It is more expensive to print with sublimation ink than pigment ink." "About one hundred times more expensive than pigment ink." "Since sublimation ink requires special printers, papers, and drying processes," he added.
• The only company making sublimation printers is also making sublimation inks, so finding them is also tricky.

Overall, sublimation ink is a great option for creating high quality images that are permanent and will not fade over time. However, there are some drawbacks to using this type of ink, including the fact that the images are not waterproof and the process can be slow. Despite these drawbacks, sublimation ink is still a great option for those who want to create high quality images that will last for a long time.

What is Pigment Ink?

Pigment ink is made up of colored pigments suspended in either water or oil with additives such as resins and waxes that bind them together. It has traditionally been used for high-quality commercial printing like magazines because it looks more vibrant than sublimation ink but does not last long when put into direct sunlight or when exposed to heat.

The Pros and Cons of Pigment Ink

The Pros of Using Pigment Ink

• Pigment inks are less expensive than sublimation ink.
• Multiple companies produce pigment printers and supplies so that they can be found more efficiently.
• In addition, pigments can be applied to a broader range of surfaces, as they adhere much more effectively to surfaces than sublimations.
• The second advantage of pigment inks is that they last longer, which means they can print for a more extended period.
• Sublimation uses special paper and cannot be recycled, so pigments are more environmentally friendly.

The Cons of Using Pigment Ink

• Sublimation inks are more durable, but pigment inks fade over time.
• Some materials, like plastic, cannot be printed with segments, so prints can't be used on items like cups.
• Because pigment inks do not come with unique papers, pigment inks cannot reproduce the level of detail you can find in sublimations.
• Pigment printers are more difficult to use than sublimation printers.

Expert Tips on When to Use Between Pigment Ink and Sublimation Ink

There are two types of inks that can be used for printing: sublimation ink and pigment ink. Both have their own benefits and drawbacks, so it can be difficult to decide which type of ink is right for your needs.

Sublimation ink is a type of dye that is used in laser printers. It bonds with the paper surface, allowing for high-quality prints with sharp detail. One downside to sublimation ink is that it can be prone to fading over time, especially if it is exposed to direct sunlight.

Pigment ink, on the other hand, is a type of ink that contains tiny particles of pigment. This makes it more durable than sublimation ink, and also less likely to fade over time. However, pigment ink can be more difficult to print with, and it can also cause printer jams.

So, which type of ink is right for you? Ultimately, the decision depends on your needs and preferences. If you are looking for a high-quality, long-lasting print, then pigment ink is probably the best option. If you are looking for a printer that is easy to use and produces vibrant prints, then sublimation ink may be a better choice.

Summary of Sublimation Ink Vs. Pigment Ink

1. Sublimation inks are more durable on fabrics than pigments and also look a lot more vibrant. They do not fade in sunlight or dry out over time, but they don't produce the same print quality as pigments for magazines with high-quality images.
2. Sublimation ink is made of sublimated dye crystals that become gas when heated to a specific temperature and pressed onto the paper or fabric.
3. Sublimations can be printed on fabrics, making them perfect for T-shirts, flags, banners, mouse mats, etc. On the other hand, Pigment Ink has traditionally been used for high-quality commercial printing like magazines, posters, and brochures.
4. Sublimation ink and pigment inks are both water-based.
5. Sublimation ink is a newer technology than pigment inks, and sublimations also have a more vibrant, saturated look.
6. It is possible to print on fabrics with sublimation printing.
7. Sublimation ink lasts longer when put into direct sunlight or when exposed to heat.
8. As opposed to sublimation, Pigment Ink can often be recolored with dip pens, paintbrushes, and other tools.
9. Sublimation inks work better for full-color prints, while pigments may not work well with gradients of colors.
10. It is also used for more temporary purposes, such as marketing campaigns or invitations to events.
11. Sublimation ink is a newer technology than pigment inks, and sublimations also have a more vibrant, saturated look.
12. Sublimation ink is a newer technology than pigment inks, and sublimations also have a more vibrant, saturated look.
13. Submissions are more expensive than pigment inks because they use special printers. This is because sublimation ink requires a unique printer, paper, and drying process. - Sublimation inks are also tricky to find since sublimation printers are only made by one company.

Pigment Vs. Dye Ink: Which One to Choose?

1. The sublimation process is ideal for printing on a variety of materials, including glass and plastic.
2. Additionally, sublimation inks can be used to print on recycled paper without affecting the quality. Since there is no ink used, this is also an eco-friendly method.
3. Colors are more affluent in pigment inks than in dye inks, but sublimated prints never fade or smear.
4. Due to their chemical properties, dye inks permit the printing of images onto cups and other items that cannot be printed using pigment inks.
5. If the pigment is not sublimated correctly, it will fade and smudge with time. Stains are more durable as long as they are not subjected to direct light.
6. Sublimation ink is eco-friendly, washable, and may be used with recycled paper without sacrificing performance. Dye ink is a cheaper alternative to pigment ink, but dye inks are less eco-friendly and less washable. In contrast, dye inks have the advantage of never fading or smudging over time.
7. The process of sublimation is also more environmentally friendly since no ink is used (instead, heat is applied). For this reason, sublimation inks can be used to print on recycled paper with no adverse effects.
8. The color quality of pigment inks will be better than that of dye inks.
9. Sublimated inks will not fade or smudge over time, unlike dye inks.
10. Compared with pigment inks, dye sublimate is cheaper. However, sublimation inks are eco-friendly and can be used with recycled paper without adverse results. However, dye inks will never fade or smudge.
11. A sublimation process does not use colorants (but instead uses heat to create the color), richer in color than dyes. Since dye inks do not require additional materials, they are also cheaper than pigment inks. To obtain the best results, only 100% white cardstock that has been coated with acrylic should be used for sublimation.
12. Sublimation printers are limited to sublimating dye, while dye cleaning printing machines can use paints and submit prints so that the methods can be switched as necessary.
13. Sublimated inks are more expensive than pigment inks due to their higher quality print and other advantages such as their eco-friendliness and resistance to fading over time since they do not require an acrylic overcoat.
14. If your company wants to save on expenses and protect the color of its logo for a long time, we recommend sublimation. Furthermore, submit prints are a sustainable alternative to dye sublimation because they are non-toxic and do not require the use of toxic solvents during the sublimating process. Because fewer chemical pollutants are released into our air and water sources, submit prints are less expensive than dye sublimation. In conclusion, sublimation vs. pigment might seem like an easy choice when you are a sublimating printer, but it is worth the effort to research both options and make an educated decision on which type would work best for you.
15. Sublimation ink option is typically chosen by sublimating printers for the cost and eco-friendly benefits.

Sublimate prints offer more long-lasting results with their dye sublimated process, which reduces environmental impact while still being cost-effective compared to other printing options like pigment inks.

Conclusion for Sublimation vs Pigment Ink

The differences between sublimation ink vs. pigment ink can be tough to tell from the surface, so it's worth researching both types before making any decisions about what will work best for your company! If you're considering using sublimate, then we recommend checking out our blog.

For those who want high-quality prints without sacrificing color or gradients, sublimations might be better for you, but if you're looking for something cheaper with less hassle, then pigments would be your best option!