Spot Color Printing: What It Is and When to Use It

Why Work with a Graphic Designer
Pre-Publication Book Review
Collaborating with a Book Publicist

Essential Printing Company Queries
Author’s Guide to Print Industry Pricing
Securing a Quality Book Printer
Selecting Your Book’s Ideal Printer

Marketing

Effective Book Marketing Plan Creation
Setting Book Prices for Maximum Sales
Successful Book Launch Guide
Good Reads Promotion Guide
Crafting a Functional Book Marketing Plan
Manuscript to Market
Book Launch: Reviews and Timelines
Selling Your Book 
Guide to Crowdfunding Platforms
Successful Book Creation for Authors

Promoting

Amazon Book Promotion Guide
Promoting Your Book with Hashtags
Advantages of Book Pre-Orders
Winning Book Awards: Why and How
Getting Valuable Book Reviews
Making Book Signings a Success
Crafting a Distinctive Author Brand

Writing Benefits

Amazon Book Promotion Guide
Promoting Your Book with Hashtags
Advantages of Book Pre-Orders
Winning Book Awards: Why and How
Getting Valuable Book Reviews
Making Book Signings a Success
Crafting a Distinctive Author Brand

Editing

Choosing the Right Literary Agent
Creating a Book Series: Tips & Practices
Advantages of Professional Book Editors
Avoiding Top 5 New Writer Mistakes

Offset vs. Print on Demand
Print on Demand Quality vs. Offset Printing
Offset Printing: Why It’s Better than Print on Demand

Book Printing vs. Publishing

Board Book vs. Hardcover

Hardcover Square Back vs. Round Back

List of Printing Terms

Spot Color Printing: What It Is and When to Use It

Spot Color Printing: What It Is and When to Use It

When it comes to printing, there are two main types: process printing and spot color printing. While process printing uses a combination of four colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) to create a full spectrum of colors, spot color printing uses specific pre-mixed ink colors to create precise and consistent colors. Let’s take a closer look at spot color printing, how it works, and when it’s best to use it.

What is Spot Color Printing?

Spot color printing, also known as solid color printing or Pantone matching system (PMS) printing, involves using pre-mixed inks that are specially formulated to match specific colors. These inks are applied to the paper using a printing press and can be used to create bright, vibrant colors that are not possible to achieve with process printing. Spot color printing is commonly used in branding, packaging, and corporate identity materials where consistent and accurate colors are essential.

How Does Spot Color Printing Work?

Spot color printing works by using a specific ink color that is pre-mixed according to a Pantone Matching System (PMS) number. The PMS system is a standardized color reproduction system that ensures consistency and accuracy in color matching. When a designer specifies a spot color for a design, the printer will use the corresponding pre-mixed ink to print the color. Because spot color printing uses a single ink color, it can be used to create precise and consistent colors that are difficult to achieve with process printing.

When to Use Spot Color Printing?

Spot color printing is typically used for designs that require specific and consistent colors, such as logos, corporate identity materials, and packaging. It is also used in situations where metallic or fluorescent colors are required. In these cases, spot color printing can create a more vibrant and accurate color than process printing.

Another advantage of spot color printing is that it is often more cost-effective than process printing for designs that require only a few colors. Spot color printing is also ideal for printing on colored paper or other non-white surfaces, as the opaque inks can cover up the underlying color of the paper.

Spot color printing is a printing technique that uses pre-mixed inks to create precise and consistent colors. It is ideal for designs that require specific and accurate colors, metallic or fluorescent colors, or printing on non-white surfaces. If you’re unsure whether to use spot color printing or process printing for your design, it’s best to consult with a professional printer who can advise you on the best printing method for your specific needs.

For more information, please contact PRC Book Printing for a book by calling 888.659.8320. You can also request a quote by filling out our online form.