There is only a thin line that lies between ink and paint. But that all depends on the perspective you are looking at it from. As much as both are used in fine arts, there are clear differences that are hard to miss.
For example, ink is best known to be used for writing. On the other hand, paints are for painting and giving life to an otherwise blank platform. However, this is not to rule out some edge cases. Sometimes, paint can be used in place of ink and sometimes ink can be used in place of paint. It goes both ways.
We have put together a detailed comparison between the ink and paint. Read on to learn more.
Characteristics of Ink
As mentioned earlier, ink is used mostly for writing and drawing. It is a pigmented solution derived from different dyes to achieve the desired color. Besides writing and drawing ink is also used for printing purposes. In fact, ink is the powerhouse for printing and without it, no work gets done.
Ink is designed with a thin flow to allow it to easily flow out of pens and barrels. Imagine if the ink was a tard thicker than its standard density, it would be hard to use it with a pen. That explains why the ink flows through the nib of a pen without ever clogging it. Unless, of course, it is contaminated or expired.
On the flipside, ink is not formulated for longevity. Both the water and the UV lights are its greatest enemy. Slight exposure will diminish the quality of your writing into an indecipherable mess. There is, however, a way you can go around that for permanent writing. Go for ink that contains varnish and protectants to give it the longevity that plain standard ink does not have.
Components of Ink
Ink is not just a pure solution but a composition of different ingredients. Here is a list of elements you will find in most inks.
- Pigment: An insoluble colorant with a smooth consistency.
- Dye: Water-soluble colorants.
- Drying agent: An element added to the ink to enable it to dry as soon as it is on a surface.
- Vehicle: Binding agent for pigments and solvents.
- Wax: Element that gives think a sticky feel.
- Additives: Helps your ink not to dry out or separate over time.
Classes of Ink
There are only two types of ink you can find in the market today. They are as follows:
1. Pigment Ink
Pigments have different components such as rocks, minerals, charcoal among other elements. Some of them even contain metal. Pigments come in a powdery talc texture mixed with a vehicle to create a solution.
Pigment ink is water-insoluble but there is always a flip side to everything. It can be so difficult to write, print, or even draw using them. It lacks the color vibrancy that every ink should possess. This kind of ink is super expensive and can be used in rubber and plastic.
2. Dye Ink
This is the most common ink you will normally use in your pens. Gel pens, fountain pens because of the easy flow and consistency. However, this ink is not as permanent as pigment ink. It can easily be diminished by water or UV light.
On the brighter side, this ink is more affordable and readily available. It also has various vibrant colors to choose from. The ink can either be natural or synthesized during the development process. Despite all these attractive facts, some people would still choose pigment ink over it. It is about preference.
Characteristics of Paints
Paints are completely insoluble in water and the only thing the water can do to it is to wash it off over time. It is a combination of medium and synthetic or natural pigments. Most paints use either gum or linseed as mediums.
There is a lot a medium does for your paint. The most common function is to transfer the pigment onto a surface. Paints are not designed to penetrate but to sit firmly on a given surface. Once it has completely dried off, it is difficult to wipe or scrape it off because they are trapped in the weavings.
Components of Paints
The commonly used elements to synthesize a paint include;
- Pigment: They are two- Prime and extender pigments. The most commonly used is the prime pigment to impart color and opacity.
- Binder: This resin is a polymer that holds the pigments in place.
- Extender: These are the large particles of pigments. It improves adhesion. It also strengthens the film.
- Solvent: This is used to thin the paint’s viscosity into a usable consistency. It also holds resins and pigments in the paint.
- Additives: Use to change the drying film to make it easy to use.
Types of Paints
There are various categories of paints available in the market and this include;
1. Water-based Paints
Most paints used for walls are water-based because they are easy to use. These paints do not require any coatings to improve their performance. Compared to others, this paint is less toxic and easy to dry off a surface. It is also easy to wash off when it is still fresh and even over the years, the paint is not damaged by harsh weather conditions.
2. Oil-based Paints
This is yet another versatile paint that you can apply on any surface. It is durable with a luxury finish on a surface. However, it emits a very pungent toxic scent that is not good for the environment.
3. Paint Finishes
This includes eggshell, stain paints, semi-gloss, and gloss paint. All these paints have velvety textures with excellent touch. They are all used as the finish for a painted surface to coat and conceal any imperfections.
Main Differences Between Ink and Paints
- Coloring Properties
There are huge differences in their colorings. Where ink uses tannic, the paints are made from talc.
- Coloring Procedures
Where the paint stays on the surface, ink is soaked in. Paints are known to chip off after some time where ink only fades.
- Surface Protection
Paints are mainly used to protect a surface like the floors and the walls. Writing is simply for writing, drawing, and printing.
- The surface
Ink is used on thinner surfaces like on paper, boards among others. Paints on the other hand are applied on thicker surfaces like the walls.