Dyes and pigments are the substances used to impart color to other materials, such as textiles, foodstuff, paper, etc. Basically they can be categorized as colorants. However there are some basic differences between dyes and pigments. These can summarized as:

• Dyes are described as a colored substance that exhibits affinity to the substrate to which it is being applied. The dyes can occur in both solid and liquid forms. It is generally applied in aqueous solution, and may require mordants to improves color fastness. On other hand, pigments are white or florescent particulates that changes the color of reflected or transmitted light as the result of wavelength's selective absorption
  
  
• Solubility is the factor that differentiates dyes from pigments. While dyes are soluble in water, pigments are 100% insoluble.
  
  
• Lower dyes are very much vulnerable to light. The consistent exposure of the colored strata may destroy the object by breaking open electronic bonding within the molecule. Traditionally pigments are considered to be more lightfast than dyes.
  
  
• Dyes are basically composed of organic compounds. While pigments are formed of inorganic compounds, which often consists of heavy toxic metals.
  
  
• The particles of the pigments are almost 1-2 microns in size. However, the particles of dyes are much smaller than those of pigments.
  
  
• Dyes are combustible, thus they can be used for making items such as candle. While pigments are not desired for candle making since they are incombustible and tends to clog the wick of the burning candle.
  
  
• The dyes can be applied on most of the substrate. The application of pigments on different substrates are much limited.
  
  
• During the application of dyes, there is a temporary change in the structure. While pigments in process of application retains its original structure.
  
  
• The product resistance of the dyes are lower as compared to pigments
  
  
• Dyes are comparatively more expensive than pigments.