Pigment-based ink, unlike dye, is a powder made up of tiny granules that do not dissolve completely in solution. This means that pigment-based inks leave particles of pure color bonded to the surface of the paper that they are printed on. The resulting images can thus appear very rich and physical, densely saturated in color - although extremely fine detail may be compromised.
Pigment-based inks are much more resistant to UV light than dye-based inks and tend to keep their original colors longer. They are also less likely to run if they come into contact with water.
Images printed with archival pigment-based inks onto archival paper can last for at least 150 years, if stored in the proper conditions.