Technical Brief

Epson DURABrite Ultra Pigment Ink Technical Brief Page 5
Comparison of DURABrite Ultra Pigment Ink and Conventional Dye-Based Ink
DURABrite Ultra is the only consumer-class 4-color ink set that uses all pigment-based ink; some competitive
printers use pigment-based black with dye-based color, and others use all dye-based ink. The key advantage of
Epson DURABrite Ultra pigment ink is its ability to produce the highest quality text and photos, offering color
qualities similar to dye-based ink with the durability qualities of pigment ink. The key differences between
conventional dye ink and DURABrite Ultra pigment ink are:
Key Differences Conventional Dye Ink DURABrite Ultra Pigment Ink
Characteristics
Formed from color-forming, water-
soluble molecules
Comprised of insoluble pigment particles
Color Gamut
Best Best on plain and matte papers; Excellent
on glossy photo papers
Coloring is high because ink dyes the fiber
of the paper. Light reflects evenly off the
surface.
Ink remains near the paper’s surface and
the new resin formulation reduces gloss
differential while improving the color
gamut on glossy papers.
Fade-resistance
Fair to Good
The dye inks are dependent on special
paper to resist fading.
.
Excellent
DURABrite Ultra pigment ink has fade
resistance beyond photo lab prints—up to
105 years (see page 2)
Water-Resistance
Good
Inks are water-resistant on many glossy
photo papers but not on matte papers.
Excellent
Inks are water-resistant on all supported
media, including plain paper.
Plain Paper Printing
Good
Feathering occurs as ink is absorbed into
the plain paper fibers.
Excellent
Sharp, clear text and graphics without
bleeding.
Media Selection
Best
Wide media compatibility: Plain, Matte,
RC (Resin Coated) Photo and High Gloss
papers, and specialty media (including
self-adhesive paper and iron-on transfers)
Excellent
Wide media selection: Plain, matte, RC
(Resin Coated) Photo papers and specialty
media (including self-adhesive paper and
iron-on transfers)