Maxify (Megatank) GX1020, is it truly a all 4 ink Pigment based Ink printer?

[patrickgx1020]

I purchased a Maxify GX1020 printer from Best Buy after being informed that it uses all pigment-based ink (GI-25), which was a crucial requirement for me. However, when I visited Canon's official ink purchase page, it states that the black (GI-25 BK) ink is pigment-based, but the other three colors (cyan, magenta, yellow) are dye-based. This contradicts the printer’s spec page, which claims it uses a 4-color pigment-based system. I'm confused about the discrepancy.

from Ink order page:"Genuine GI-25 Ink Bottle is specifically designed for select Canon MAXIFY GX Integrated Ink Tank printers.

• Black pigment-based ink for sharp smudge-free text and Color dye-based ink for vivid long-lasting color printouts."

https://www.usa.canon.com/shop/p/gi-25-amr?color=Magenta&type=New&srsltid=AfmBOooi-6bfmsj0_J721fyebi...

[jrhoffman75]

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@patrickgx1020 wrote:

I purchased a Maxify GX1020 printer from Best Buy after being informed that it uses all pigment-based ink (GI-25), which was a crucial requirement for me. However, when I visited Canon's official ink purchase page, it states that the black (GI-25 BK) ink is pigment-based, but the other three colors (cyan, magenta, yellow) are dye-based. This contradicts the printer’s spec page, which claims it uses a 4-color pigment-based system. I'm confused about the discrepancy.

from Ink order page:"Genuine GI-25 Ink Bottle is specifically designed for select Canon MAXIFY GX Integrated Ink Tank printers.

• Black pigment-based ink for sharp smudge-free text and Color dye-based ink for vivid long-lasting color printouts."

https://www.usa.canon.com/shop/p/gi-25-amr?color=Magenta&type=New&srsltid=AfmBOooi-6bfmsj0_J721fyebi...

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Not uncommon that the average big box sales staff is misinformed. The color inks are dye inks. The pigment black is used for text documents only.

[normadel]

Who informed you? What Spec Page did you see? Best Buy's on the shelf display?  A Best Buy employee? Someone got it wrong.

Canon obviously know what type of inks it uses, and it probably said it on the box.

[90066]

No, it's Canon that's misinforming people. I was trying to figure this out as I am considering purchasing a Canon printer. Reviews complain about washed out colors when printing double-sided.

Here is the page:
https://www.usa.canon.com/shop/p/megatank-maxify-gx1020-wireless-home-office-all-in-one-printer

If you look under "tech specs", you see:
"GI-25 Pigment-Based Ink Bottles (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black)"

Until I found this thread, I was convinced they use all pigment ink based on this statementent.

[normadel]

The language Canon is using can be confusing. They refer to a 4-color pigment system. They also say three dye colors.

Here are the facts:

For printing photos, all four inks....Cyan, magenta, yellow, Black....must be transparent to reproduce a full range of colors. 

For printing text, a not-transparent pigment black is used to get solid, opaque black print.

Thus, five-ink printers for printing photos and general use.. The word "pigment" can cover anything that provides colors, which includes dyes and more- opaques substances. It's the semantics that is causing you confusion. And the Maxify  using a pigment black only and not a transparent dye black comes as a surprise to me.

[normadel]

Looking at the specs for the Maxify line, it's apparent they do not use a dye black. Only pigment black.

I'd guess this is because these are not marketed as photo printers, but as office/business printers. Best-quality photo printing isn't their goal, so they are made simpler by not having the dye black that Pixmas, the Pro line etc. have.

[tonywpiano]

MAXIFY GX printers use only Pigment ink while PIXMA G printers use black pigment ink and Dye ink for colors. Canon Webpage info.: https://support.usa.canon.com/kb/s/article/ART180810 

Ink Types for MegaTank Inkjet Printers  Jun 24, 2025

Description

Ink type and compatibility for MegaTank printers (PIXMA G-Series and MAXIFY GX-Series).

[tonywpiano]

MAXIFY GX printers use only Pigment ink while PIXMA G printers use black pigment ink and Dye ink for colors. Canon Webpage info.: https://support.usa.canon.com/kb/s/article/ART180810 

Ink Types for MegaTank Inkjet Printers  Jun 24, 2025

Description

Ink type and compatibility for MegaTank printers (PIXMA G-Series and MAXIFY GX-Series).

[tonywpiano]

Also if you put Dye ink into pigment ink the printheads get sealed up and you need to get the dye ink out and replace the printheads. How do I know? I did that very thing. At least the printheads are not to expensive at less than $40 each and they are very easy to replace, but getting the dye ink out is more of a challenge. I was able to suck it out at the printhead tube connection.