Abstract: Triphenylmethane dyes or colorants with sterically hindered fugitive amine counter ions are provided as durable, storage-stable, and excellent coloring and shading printing inks. Ink compositions are disclosed which provide improvements in long-term storage capabilities, particularly within alkaline environments, extremely effective colorations of cellulose-based substrates, and lower cost over those of the prior art. The preferred dyes or colorants are triphenylmethane polymeric colorants which are capped with cyclic anhydride and the preferred sterically hindered amine counter ions are those based on low molecular weight fugitive tertiary amines, such as N,N-dimethylethanolamine. Compositions comprising water soluble or emulsion resins as diluents for lowered viscosity and lower overall cost are also contemplated. Furthermore, compositions comprising the inventive colorant and other pigments, dyes, surfactants, preservatives, and other colorants are contemplated.