FACTS ABOUT INK AND PAPER

 Ink contains 4 basic elements. These elements include a:

• Coloring agent which is either a dye or a pigment.

• Carrier body (water).

• Solvent that keeps it liquid until it leaves the print-head.

• Various chemical stabilizers.

If the coloring agent is a dye, it is a chemical solution. Pigment is a mineral oxide, ground exceptionally fine, and put into a chemical compound. The dye or pigment is then added to a respective carrier body, water, or solvent. Ink may be composed of seven to fourteen chemicals.

Facts about Paper

Paper is composed of cellulose fibers from trees and other like materials. During the paper making process, the fibers form a mesh with 60% of the fibers running in one direction and the other 40% lying at right angles. Paper is, on average, about 5% water. This moisture prevents the paper from being brittle.

Paper is chemically treated and finished based upon the end use. For example, newspaper is a very coarse paper. Bond paper, used for office correspondence, is a high-grade paper with many finishing chemical additives.

How Ink and Paper Work with Each Other

Dye-based inks soak into the cellulose fibers. These inks provide vibrant hues and a wide

range of colors. If the paper becomes wet, the colors will wash off or if exposed to sun

light it will fade.

Pigment-based ink behaves differently. The ink is projected onto the paper, the carrier

body evaporates, and the pigment adheres to the paper fiber. This results in a crisp and

sharp image. Documents printed with cartridges containing pigmented inks are much

more light fast and water fast as compared to dye based inks.

Different grades (quality) of paper affect print results for the same inks. Paper left in

humid areas absorb moisture. This increases water content of the paper and can adversely

affect the way ink is absorbed by the paper. This may cause the ink to “bleed”, “feather”

or smear.

Judging print quality of test prints from refilled cartridges is subject to the inspecting

person. It is therefore important to always use the same brand and grade of paper in order

to eliminate the paper as a variable.