This material is impregnated with three primary colors that repeat in series. Unlike inkjet devices, the paper passes through the printer at least three times. Each time a layer of dye is applied. Sometimes a final finishing-coat is also applied. The final print is photo-quality with very stable pigmentation.
Manufacturers estimate the life of dye-sub prints to be fifty years.
If you have guessed that this kind of printing is expensive, you are correct, at least for 8 x 10-inch prints. First, the mechanical parts of the printer must keep the paper in absolute register each time a layer of dye is applied. The cost of a typical 8 x 10-inch print can easily be more than having a print made by a commercial service. Still, the results can be outstanding. If you are a print enthusiast, or need this kind of quality for business use, dye-sublimation printing can be a very satisfying experience.