Process printing reproduces full-color images using the four process inks (cyan, magenta, yellow and black) which are placed on the paper in layers of dots that overlap and combine to create an illusion of the full colour spectrum.

Take a look at the following images:

CMYK image

CMYK image magnified on the head light

Look carefully at the dots in the magnified picture. You will see cyan, yellow, magenta and black dots overlapping and mixing to create an illusion of a full colour image.

Common uses for full colour CMYK lithographic printing:

Brochures, leaflets, booklets, books, magazines, newspapers and business cards.

One, two or three colour print (spot colour printing)

Example of a one colour print job

This process makes use of spot colours. Spot colours are specially mixed inks which come in a variety of colors, including metallic and fluorescent inks. Unlike CMYK, spot colors are pre-mixed and not a colour illusion made up by the four process colours (CMYK). When printed, spot colours give the appearance of a solid colour.

Pantone is the standard for spot colour matching. The Pantone Matching System (PMS) consists of over one thousand colours of ink.

Common uses for one, two or three colour printing:

Inexpensive fliers, leaflets, promotional gifts and packaging.

Full colour CMYK printing plus spot colour

Example of full colour CMYK plus one spot colour

If your chosen Pantone does not fall within the gamut of the CMYK printing process, like Pantone 294, there’s the option to add a spot colour to a full colour CMYK print run.

In the example above the Hosaf logo, ZED, A-PET and the line “Her lips…” are all printed using an extra spot colour to make sure the brand colour is accurate. A spot colour could also be a varnish, if you have ever seen a brochure with an image or logo that looks like it has been varnished, it has used this same process.

Common uses for CMYK plus spots

Brochures, annual reports, illustrated books, invitations and corporate communication.

Digital printing

This medium is usually reserved for smaller print runs and because the quality has improved tremendously over the years, it has become an affordable alternative to CMYK litho printing.

Common uses for digital printing:

Once off prints such as posters and small print runs.

Silkscreen printing

This is one of the oldest printing techniques. It is a cost effective process used for printing on packaging, corporate gifts, t-shirts and clothing.

Daryl Glass – creative director