Why talk about ink at all?
Most people judge a print by the image and the paper. Fair. But the ink is what keeps that image alive once it’s on your wall. If the colour shifts or fades, even the best paper can’t save it. So let’s break down the two main ink types—regular (dye-based) and archival (pigment-based)—and why I trust the latter for every print I sell.
What’s in regular ink?
Regular desktop printers use dye-based inks. The colour molecules dissolve in water, almost like food colouring. They’re inexpensive, quick-drying, and look bright straight out of the printer.
The catch: dyes sink into the paper fibers and stay exposed to air and light. In a sunny room, colours can dull within a few years.
What makes an ink “archival”?
Archival inks are pigment-based. The colour particles remain solid and sit on the paper surface:
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Fade resistance Tested longevity of 70–100 years under UV-shielded glass.
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Colour stability Pigment particles are larger and harder for light to break down.
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Water resistance Less bleeding if moisture sneaks under the frame.
All of my prints use Epson UltraChrome pigment inks on acid-free, heavyweight paper—so fine details in pieces like The Fox stay crisp.
Quick side-by-side
| Feature | Regular (Dye) Ink | Archival (Pigment) Ink |
|---|---|---|
| Initial colour pop | Very high | High |
| Fade resistance | Low–medium (1–5 yrs in bright light) | High (70 yrs + in lab tests) |
| Water resistance | Low | Medium–high |
| Cost to produce | Low | Higher |
| Best for | Everyday photos, short-term posters | Fine-art prints, photography |
Is the extra cost worth it?
For fridge photos, maybe not. For fine-art prints meant to live on a wall for decades, yes. Pigment inks add a few dollars to production but save buyers the bigger cost of replacing a faded piece later.
How longevity is verified
We rely on manufacturer fade-testing data and recommendations from our partner studios. We print only on papers and inks that meet archival standards. That way can guarantee the colours you see today will stay true for the long haul.
Caring for any print
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Keep it out of direct sun if possible.
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Use UV-blocking glass or acrylic.
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Avoid steamy rooms.
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Dust gently with a dry cloth—no sprays.
Give your art a stable home and the ink will handle the years.
Ink chemistry may sound niche, but when a favourite print starts to fade it becomes very real. Choosing archival pigment ink isn’t just a technical spec—it’s a promise that the colours you fell in love with will stay true
Hang it, enjoy it, and let the ink worry about time!