Most standard inkjet ink is not waterproof because it is water-based, meaning it dissolves when it gets wet. However, you can stop the smears by choosing the right type of ink.
If you’ve ever watched a critical business contract or a cherished family portrait transform into a blurry blue puddle after a spilled glass of water, you’ve felt the "smudge struggle" firsthand. Most people think that all inkjet printing is just fragile by nature, but that’s a myth. As someone who has spent over a decade working with inkjet printer ink, I can tell you that the secret isn’t just the printer—it’s the chemistry inside your ink cartridge.
When you buy a standard inkjet printer cartridge, the box rarely warns you that a single raindrop could ruin your work. The honest truth is that "waterproof" is a spectrum in the world of inkjet printing. Most everyday ink is water based ink, which is designed to stay liquid inside your printer so it doesn't clog the print head. The downside? That same "staying liquid" property means it stays vulnerable to moisture even after it dries on the page.
However, the industry has made massive leaps. Today, we have specialized inkjet ink that is "water-resistant." This means that while the paper itself might get soggy if dropped in a pool, the text and images won't turn into an unreadable mess. If you are printing shipping labels, legal documents, or outdoor signs, you can't rely on basic ink. You need a formula that creates a permanent bond with the paper fibers, ensuring that your hard work doesn't disappear the moment the humidity rises.
To stop the smear, you need to understand the two main characters in this story: dye based ink for inkjet printer use and pigment based ink. Both have their strengths, but one is a clear winner when things get wet.
Dye-Based Ink: Why It Smears
Most standard dye-based ink uses dye molecules that are completely dissolved in liquid. Think of it like putting sugar in tea—the sugar becomes part of the water. When this ink hits the paper, it soaks deep into the fibers. However, because the ink was born in water, it "remembers" how to dissolve. When a drop of water hits your document, the dye molecules wake up and start moving again, causing those frustrating purple and blue smears.
On the other hand, pigment based ink works more like tiny grains of sand suspended in a liquid. Instead of soaking deep into the paper and disappearing, these microscopic solid particles sit on the surface and "lock" into place once dry. Because these particles are solid, they don't dissolve when they get wet. If you are looking for a smudge-proof result that can survive a highlighter or a splash of water, pigment is your best friend.
The debate between dye and pigment isn't just about color—it's about how well your work survives the real world. At G&G, we have developed two distinct technologies to ensure your inkjet printer ink stays exactly where you put it.
Gloria
If you are using a dye based ink for inkjet printer tasks, you usually expect it to run at the first sign of water. However, Gloria is different. While it is a dye-based ink designed to soak into the paper for a "super color gamut", it is formulated with water resistance:
It mimics OEM quality, meaning your photos won't just look better; they will stay bright and sharp even if they encounter light moisture or humidity. It is the perfect choice for photo enthusiasts who want that professional "pop" without the fear of fading.
EverBrite
EverBrite is our high-end pigment based ink using a "Pigment Plus Resin" formula. Just as ancient 1,700-year-old calligraphy used carbon pigments to survive centuries, EverBrite uses solid particles that don't dissolve in water. We use a special resin—similar to how amber preserves insects for millions of years—to wrap around the pigment particles. This makes the ink water, smudge, and fade-resistant on almost any paper.
Don’t let a little moisture ruin your big moments. By choosing high-quality, specialized inkjet printer ink, you are choosing durability, professional quality, and peace of mind. Stand by your work and protect your memories—because they deserve to last.
