Water Based Pigment Ink Water-based pigment inks produce vibrant colors and are lightfast. Unlike water-based dye inks, pigments exist in larger particles in water; therefore, pigment inks are not easily broken down by light. Fade-resistant pigment ink prints show high outdoor durability after lamination. Innovative pigment ink printers have taken the outdoor signage market by storm. Water-based dye inks: Dyes dissolve in water at a molecular level.