Look great on paper

The Canon Pixma Pro-100S A3+ format printer runs on dye-based inks and is unbeatable for print quality on glossy and semi-gloss or lustre paper

In my previous article on inkjet printing (‘Get your best-ever prints’, AP 17 February), we looked at the main choices you need to consider when buying a photo printer. You’ll need to take into account the maximum size of the prints you want to make – for example, A4 or A3+ (19x13in) – and whether you’re more into colour or black & white photography. There’s also the matter of dye-based versus pigment-based prints, where dye inks give a smoother finish on glossy photo paper, whereas pigment inks tend to resist fading better if you’re going to hang your prints on the wall.

The choice of dye or pigment inks also affects print speed. Dye-based prints are pretty much touch-dry evenhour or so before they feel fully dry. It’s generally accepted that you should leave them for 24 hours before framing, although it’s good practice to leave both dye- and pigment-based inks to dry for at least a day before mounting them behind glass.