Pigmenttrükk

Pigmenttrükk, or pigment printing, refers to printing methods that use pigment-based inks rather than dyes. In pigmenttrükk, solid pigment particles are dispersed in a binder and deposited onto a substrate by inkjet or other digital printing systems, producing color images on paper, canvas, or similar materials. The pigments, often inorganic or highly stable organic compounds, are chosen for their resistance to light and environmental factors.

Compared with dye-based inks, pigment inks generally offer superior lightfastness and archival properties, reducing fading over time. They tend to resist color bleed and provide a broader environmental tolerance, though some pigment inks may have a narrower initial vibrancy on certain media and can require careful media selection and color management to achieve maximum gamut.

Pigmenttrükk gained prominence in the 1990s and 2000s with the development of wide-gamut pigment inks by major printer manufacturers. The practice is closely associated with fine art printing and the term Giclée is often used to describe high-quality pigment-based prints intended for display and collection. Key factors in achieving durable results include pigment particle size and dispersion, substrate selection, ink formulation, and accurate color management using ICC profiles.

Applications of pigmenttrükk include fine art prints, photographic reproductions, archival documentation, and museum-quality reproductions. The technique emphasizes longevity and image stability, making it a preferred option for works intended for long-term display, limited editions, and conservation-conscious contexts.