Ink-cellulose interactions were evaluated using a new technique in which the adhesion properties between ink and cellulose were directly measured using a Micro-Adhesion Measurement Apparatus (MAMA). The adhesion properties determined with MAMA were used to estimate the total energy release upon separating ink from cellulose in water. The total energy release was calculated from interfacial energies determined via contact angle measurements and the Lifshitz-van der Waals/acid-base approach. Both methods indicated spontaneous ink release from model cellulose surfaces, although the absolute values differed because of differences in measuring techniques and different ways of evaluation. MAMA measured the dry adhesion between ink and cellulose, whereas the interfacial energies were determined for wet surfaces. The total energy release was linked to ink detachment from model cellulose surfaces, determined using the impinging jet cell. The influences of surface energy and surface roughness were also investigated. Increasing the surface roughness or decreasing the surface energy decreased the ink detachment due to differences in the molecular contact area and differences in the adhesiom properties.