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Currently using a printer with dye inks but I am considering replacing it with a pigment based one. Are papers always compatible with both? Or do some work with one or the other? How can one tell if some paper is suitable for pigment inks?

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    \$\begingroup\$ Decent quality paper should be labelled as to whether it works with pigment, dye, or both. If it's high quality and not indicated, I would assume pigment only. \$\endgroup\$
    – obelia
    Commented Aug 12, 2015 at 19:52

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In short, no, they are not always compatible.

I have had photo papers (Kodak I think) that actually rejected Epson pigment (Ultrachrome) inks (it sat on the surface and refused to dry properly.

I have also seen certain dye inks leech under the surface of glossy photo papers leaving (in one case) a magenta halo.

Pigment inks tend to leave a matte finish on glossy papers, but work well on matte papers as they dont soak in and bleed (they dry in the surface), whereas dye inks tend to leave a super glossy finish on glossy papers, but a flat, dull finish on matte papers.

The only way to know for sure is to test, luckily most manufacturers do tester packs so you dont have to potentially waste £20, £30+ on a pack.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Interesting, I'd like to test before making a purchase decision on the print since from your answer, it sounds like they give different looks. I had only heard about the longevity advantage of pigment inks. \$\endgroup\$
    – Itai
    Commented Aug 12, 2015 at 15:58
  • \$\begingroup\$ Yes the difference is very noticeable - The epson R800 actually has a clear ink, basically a varnish, to combat this effect. \$\endgroup\$
    – Digital Lightcraft
    Commented Aug 12, 2015 at 16:01
  • \$\begingroup\$ Certainly from a longevity point of view I would always pick pigment on archival paper, but dye can often give better brighter colours on photo prints if you arent too bothered about handing them down to your grand-children in your will!! \$\endgroup\$
    – Digital Lightcraft
    Commented Aug 12, 2015 at 16:02
  • \$\begingroup\$ Same here: my Kodak paper did not like the Epson printer. But that was then... papers are labeled for "all ink jet printers" and are designed to work with all models in common use. \$\endgroup\$
    – JDługosz
    Commented Aug 12, 2015 at 20:16
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If it's glossy or coated, read the label. They say "for all inkjet and laser printers" or whatnot. Paper made before that printer technology won't necessarily work, but new paper will be labeled as to its compatibility. Papers made by a paper company, not branded as the printer company, can be expected to be versitile.

I had trouble with the epson dye not soaking into the Kodak glossy paper, but a year later never had any problems with paper compatibility. The problem was the dye not soaking into the paper fibers; the opposite of another poster. So I think the issue is with the solvent not with what's in it, and you can't tell from "dye"/"pigment" how it behaves.

Your common consumer won't be able to handle that. So except for specilty papers meant for specific printers, you can assume that paper so-labeled (read the label) will work on any ink-jet print engine that's been out for a year before the paper was made. And I don't expect any surprises from newer ones: subtle quality issues, not outright incompatibility.

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