Comparison of Epson Ink Solutions


To view this page in Acrobat PDF format, click this link.


What are the key differences among the Epson Ink Solutions?

Key Differences4-Color Dye6-Color Photo DyeDuraBriteTM InkUltraChromeTM InkArchival Ink
Target ApplicationGeneral purpose printingLong-lasting photosOptimized for plain paper printingSignage, graphic arts posters, prepress proofing, and photographyIndoor/outdoor signage, fine art reproduction, fine art photography, and Print for Pay
Supported Epson printersMost EPSON Stylus C-Series and Stylus Color-Series printersMost EPSON Stylus Photo printersEPSON Stylus C82EPSON Stylus Photo 2200 and EPSON Stylus Pro 7600, 9600, 10600EPSON Stylus Pro 10000
Color gamutDye based inks offer the widest color gamut as well as the largest selection of compatible mediaSame as 4-color dye but the light magenta and light cyan inks smooth the tonal gradations critical for photographyWide gamut on plain and matte paper, good on photo papersThis versatile pigment ink has a color gamut approaching dye, with the image permanence advantages of pigmentGood color gamut; Epson's microencapsulated technology allows a wide range of media flexibility with lightfast ratings of over 100 years, under glass
Type of inkDye CMYKDye CMYKcmPigment CMYKPigment CcMmYKkPigment CMYKcm
Light-resistance*Not ratedUp to 25 years on specialty papersUp to 80 years on specialty papers, up to 70 years on plain paperUp to 80 years on specialty papersOver 100 years on specialty papers
Water-resistanceYes, on glossy paperYes, on EPSON Glossy Photo Paper and Premium Photo PapersYes, on all supported media including plain paperYes, on all supported media including plain paperYes, on all supported media
Supported media
Plain paperGood QualityGood QualityBest QualityGood QualityNot supported
Coated PapersBest Quality, Expansive selectionBest Quality, Expansive selectionBetter Quality, Moderate selectionBetter Quality, Moderate selectionBetter Quality, Moderate selection
Matte PapersBest Quality, Moderate selectionBest Quality, Moderate selectionBest Quality, Expansive selectionBest Quality, Expansive selectionBetter Quality, Expansive selection
Photo PapersBest Quality, Moderate selectionBest Quality, Expansive selectionGood Quality, Limited selectionBest Quality, Expansive selectionBetter Quality, Expansive selection
Specialty Media **Best Quality, Expansive selectionBest Quality, Expansive selectionBetter Quality, Limited selectionNot supportedNot supported

* Lightfastness ratings based on accelerated testing of prints on Epson special media, displayed indoors, under glass. Actual print stability will vary accordingto image, display conditions, light intensity, humidity, and atmospheric conditions. Epson does not guarantee longevity of prints. Ratings do not estimate the durability of the paper itself. For maximum print life, display all prints under glass or laminations or properly store them.
** Specialty media refers to iron-on transfers, photo stickers, Photo Quality Self-Adhesive Sheets, Transparencies, and Glossy Photo Greeting Cards



Frequently Asked Questions about Epson Ink Solutions

Q: If the DuraBrite Ink, Archival Ink, and UltraChrome Ink have much higher light-resistance, then why does Epson have six-color dye printers for photo applications?
A: Dye inks still have a greater color gamut than any of the pigment ink technologies and when printing on high gloss papers, dye ink will produce the best output quality. Additionally, Epsons six-color photo dye ink is compatible with a wider selection of media than the pigment ink technologies.

Q: What are the main differences among Epson's pigment ink technologies, the DuraBrite Ink, Archival Ink, and UltraChrome Ink?
A: The main differences are: Q: If the DuraBrite Ink, Archival Ink, and UltraChrome Ink are all pigment ink technologies, why don't they support the same type of media?
A: The formulation of inks in all three technologies is different: Q: How does the print quality of the EPSON Stylus C82, which uses DuraBrite Ink, compare to competitive printers?
A: Some competitive printers use pigment ink for black and dye ink for color. Because the DuraBrite Ink uses pigment ink for both black and color, you get water-resistant and light-resistant benefits for everything you print. Additionally, you get the benefit of crisper text and graphics for both black and color with DuraBrite Ink.

Q: If the DuraBrite Ink is so great, why does Epson still offer four-color dye ink jet printers?
A: The four-color dye ink jet printers are the most affordable class of printers offered by Epson. In addition, the four-color dye inks are compatible with the most media. These printers can print on plain paper, coated papers, specialty papers, and glossy photo papers. They are the ideal choice for general purpose printing, including text documents, business graphics, greeting cards, and photos.

Q: How does the DuraBrite Ink work on competitive papers, such as Kodak® papers?
A: Kodak papers and other ink jet papers are primarily aimed at thermal ink jet printing. The DuraBrite Ink is not designed to work with these papers. DuraBrite Ink produces its best print quality on plain and matte paper types. One of the DuraBrite Ink's greatest benefits is low cost of ownership with the use of four individual ink tanks and optimization for plain paper.


 
Return to Inkjet Art Solutions home

What people are saying about us

About Our Company -- who are these guys?

Hours of Operation
Mon-Fri 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
(Mountain time - 2 hours earlier than Eastern, 1 hour later than Pacific)

Retail Store Address
2199 S. West Temple
South Salt Lake, UT 84115/td>
Sales: 800-777-2076
(US toll-free)
801-256-0360
(Utah or International)
801-256-0369 (Fax)
Contact Info / Email Us
   
All longevity estimates should be treated as such, Inkjet Art Solutions is not liable for pre-mature fading of prints or damage to printers through use of our products. Be sure to properly research your purchase and follow the directions given. If you need help, please contact us.
For more information regarding our policies, including our return policy, please visit our Policies Page