Yes, pigment ink is generally opaque. This is because the color particles sit on the surface of the paper, preventing light from passing through. This contrasts with dye-based inks, which are more transparent or translucent as the color is dissolved into the solution.
Why is Pigment Ink Opaque?
The opacity of pigment ink stems from the nature of the pigment particles themselves. These particles are larger and don't dissolve into the liquid, instead remaining suspended. This creates a thicker layer of color on the surface, effectively blocking light transmission. As one reference states, "Because the color particles collect on the surface of the paper, pigment inks look opaque. Light is not able to pass through it."
Examples of Opaque Pigment Inks:
- StazOn Pigment Ink: This ink is specifically marketed as having "12 vibrant opaque colors," highlighting its opacity as a key feature.
- Harmony Opaque Pigment Ink Pads: These pads are designed for techniques requiring opacity, like heat embossing, further emphasizing the opaque nature of pigment-based inks.
- Many pigment-based printer inks also offer a higher degree of opacity compared to dye-based inks, making them suitable for printing on various surfaces.
Conversely, dye inks, because they are dissolved, are more transparent. This is explicitly mentioned in a source comparing pigment and dye inks: "With the color particles completely dissolved in solution, dye-based inks have a transparent or translucent look."
Pigment Ink vs. Dye Ink: Opacity
The key difference between pigment and dye inks lies in their opacity. While pigment inks are known for their opacity, dye inks tend to be more transparent. This characteristic significantly impacts their application in various printing and crafting techniques. For instance, pigment inks are preferred where a solid, non-transparent color is required.
