Pigment Ink Vs. Sublimation Ink: When it comes to printing, we hear about various types of inks. But, the most common names are Pigment inks and Sublimation inks. Now, pigment ink vs. sublimation ink is sometimes confused as different variants of the same ink. But, they are very different from each other. Pigment inks have suspensions in them while Sublimation inks obey the chemical process of sublimation.
What is the difference between Pigment ink and Sublimation ink? To begin with, Pigment inks and Sublimation inks are manufactured for completely different purposes. Pigment ink is for coloring paper and other surfaces like PVC, clothes, etc. On the other hand, Sublimation ink is strictly made for Sublimation printing and is only used to print out designs on fabrics containing polyester. This is the main difference between the two inks.
Further in this article, you will get a detailed picture explaining the elaborate difference between Pigment ink and Sublimation ink. So, read till the end to get a crystal-clear idea about that.
Pigment Ink Vs. Sublimation Ink: Pros and Cons
Pigment Ink
Pigment ink is a type of ink that has suspended pigment particles in it that work as colored ink. In some cases, it can also contain resins and waxes. These suspended particles are in any type of liquid solvent suitable for inks like water or oil. Now, the pros and cons of Pigment ink are;
- Pigment Inks are highly resistant to UV rays and environmental damaging factors.
- Pigment inks are not too pricey.
- Pigment inks are resistant to water. It means that water can not affect them in any way.
- Pigment inks can work with various products like PVC, fabrics, papers, etc.
- Pigment inks can not be used for decorative purposes.
- Pigment inks can not produce high details in prints due to which they are pretty unattractive.
- It is very hard to use Pigment inks to print out designs or anything. These are never recommended to any person who is a beginner in the field of printing due to their trickiness.
- Pigment inks take a very long period to dry.
Sublimation Ink
Sublimation Ink also known as Disperse Dye ink is more of an ink specified only for sublimation printing. This is a type of ink that follows the chemical process of Sublimation to bond the particles of the ink and the fabric together under exposure to heat. It is a distinct and unique formula ink compatible only with sublimation printing. Its pros and cons include;
- A person can print out high-quality, bright, and colorful designs with sublimation ink.
- Sublimation ink is very unique and does not need added chemicals that make sublimation printing way faster and smoother.
- Sublimation ink helps a person print out high-quality designs on hard substances like wood, plastic, etc.
- Designs that are printouts of sublimation ink never fade or crack giving them a very long lifetime.
- Sublimation inks are very expensive nowadays.
- Sublimation ink can only work on polymer-based substances if they are not fabrics.
- Sublimation inks can give a perfect printout only if they are exposed to adequate pressure and heat.
- If you want to use sublimation ink to print on dark objects then the object first needs to be perfected. According to the needs of the ink that could include layers of polymers, etc.
Pigment Ink or Sublimation Ink: Which One is Better?
If we compare the two inks and wonder which one is better, then it will be wrong to invest our minds into it because both inks are formed for their unique purposes. We can not use Pigment ink where Sublimation ink is required and also can not use Sublimation ink where Pigment one is required.
Despite knowing the fact that both the inks are for different purposes, we must wonder which one’s better in general characteristics. In that case, the reader could also decide for themselves which one is better on the characteristics of both inks.
Like, sublimation inks have a very vast usage in the field of modern printing, but they are expensive. Also, usage of sublimation inks is often restricted to just the printing on polyester-based materials like fabrics, etc. So, they prove to be very useful in textile printing.
Pigment inks have a vast range of uses. They can be used to print on almost every material. Pigment inks are also inexpensive and can be used for big industrial ideas. They can also be used to print gradient-like colors on designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Pigment Ink be used on fabric?
Pigment ink can be used on fabric only when it is being used for direct-to-garment printing and printing out rolls of fabric to make garments. Other than this, Pigment ink can not be used to print on fabrics because the suspensions in it do not adhere directly to fabrics.
What type of ink is used for Sublimation?
Sublimation printing can not function properly without a special kind of ink. This ink is commonly known as “Disperse Dye”. It can also be specified by the name sublimation ink because it is used for sublimation printing. Any other ink than this will either not work, to begin with, or ruin the whole print to a great extent.
What is Pigment ink best for?
Pigment ink is best for usage when you are trying to print on vast textiles or professional stuff and do not want the UV rays to damage your stuff. This is because pigment ink is resistant to UV rays and is considered a very strong type of printing ink that is shielded from any environmental conditions.
