Spot or Process Colors: Which way Forward?

By Logo Design Next

So what is the difference between Process and Spot Colors?

Process colors, also referred to as CMYK, four-color process, or 4/c, produce a range (gamut) of several thousand colors by varying percentages of (C)yan, (M)agenta, (Y)ellow, and Blac(K) inks across four screen separations. The four inks are placed on the paper in layers of dots that combine to create the illusion of many more colors. The composite image fools the naked eye with the illusion of continuous tone. Nearly any imaginable color may be derived from this base of just four inks.

Spot Colors, on the other hand, are produced without screens or dots and are also referred to in the industry as solid colors. Basically these are specially mixed inks used in printing. Spot color inks come in a rainbow of colors, including some specialty inks such as metallic and fluorescent. Unlike CMYK or process color which creates colors by laying down layers of just 4 specific inks, spot colors are pre-mixed and a single ink is used for each color in the publication. When printing spot colors, inks are specially mixed to match each color in your file, in much the same way as you may have seen yellow and blue paint mixed to produce green. In order to ensure precision, inks are mixed according to specific, industry-standard formulas such as the Pantone Matching System (PMS).

Making a Decision

Below are some rules of thumb to follow when setting out to create or commission a print job. Please bear in mind that many factors play into the decision-making process and each instance is unique. This short list is no substitute for experience; it is simply meant to help you become a more informed buyer of print and graphic design services.

An important point to remember for budget-conscious projects: Choosing the right paper stock and using percentages of one or two spot colors can yield sophisticated designs while reducing costs. For example, gray is simply a percentage of black - not a separate color.

Choose Spot Colors When...

• Your logo design or corporate identity demands a precise match. We at LDN develop logos using Pantone spot colors to ensure maximum color precision. However, if you have a specific requirement for CMYK logo, please inform us beforehand and we will work accordingly.
• Your publication has no full-color photographs
• Your project incorporates colors outside the CMYK gamut
• You must fill large areas of solid color
• You require only one, two, or possibly three colors
• Using metallic, fluorescent, or other specialized inks

Choose Process When...

• Your project incorporates more than 3 or 4 colors
• You've chosen multiple spot colors that fall within the CMYK gamut
• You are printing photographic or other full-color, continuous tone images
• You need to allow forward design flexibility not tied to a specific number of colors

Sometimes You'll Need Both...

• You need to increase the intensity of a process color by adding a bump plate
• Using a gloss or matte varnish specified as a spot color
• You intend to print full-color graphics such as photographs, but also have a need to match specific colors for a logo or other important design elements

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