Some prints look incredible. Others are dull. What do you think makes the difference?
I've wondered about the same for some time before I started working in the printing industry.
Then it clicked.
Of course, the difference in print quality depends on many factors. It can be: type of material, the printer you have, or the money you are willing to pay for it.
You also must get the printing method right. It's the main factor that will give you that premium-looking brochure or a high-end magazine look.
And today, I am going to help you know the difference between two of the most commonly used printing methods.
I have worked with both four-color and spot-color printing, so I know where each shines.
Which is better? Four-color or spot-color printing?
Let me help you make that decision.
Four-Color Printing (CMYK)
You can also call it process printing. This method uses four inks to print your design onto a material.
Cyan (C), Magenta (M), Yellow (Y), and Black (K) are the four inks that make up four-color printing.
As a result of the inks, many people refer to the method as simply CMYK.
The good thing with this method is that you don't have to mix every color like you'd do with paint.
So, how does it work?
The printer places tiny dots of each color close together
Then your eyes are what “sees” these dots as a blend.
While there are only four colors, your eyes make the dots appear as if there are millions of colors on a page.
Advantages
1. It's Cost-Effective for Full-Color Prints
Have you worked with businesses that needed thousands of flyers on tight budgets?
If you've done, you'll appreciate the convenience of an affordable printing solution.
So here's why full-color printing may be a cheaper option for you.
It uses only four inks to print. Here, there's no need for custom spot colors. Those are usually expensive.
2. You Can Use it for Photographs and Complex Designs
Sure, CMYK handles everything from restaurant menus to detailed travel guides. This is something I haven't seen with other printing methods at this price point.
CMYK blends colors to give you smooth gradients, rich shadows, and sharp details.
3. It Works with Most Printing Methods
Be it offset presses, digital printers, or large-format machines, CMYK works well with it.
This is a good thing as you can move from small test runs on digital printers to massive offset press jobs. Guess what? You don't have to worry about color shifts.
4. You Get Consistent and Reliable Results
Think about it this way:
You are doing a reprinting job, but you keep getting different colors each time. It's frustrating, right?
That's why you should consider CMYK. And it doesn't matter whether you are running seasonal promotions or reordering brochures months later. CMYK will always get you the same results again and again.
Limitations
1. It Struggles with Bright and Metallic Colors
Are you thinking of printing shimmering gold designs with CMYK? I've tried it, so I know the disappointment this method gives.
Put simply:
CMYK can't reproduce these colors accurately. That's why I recommend specialty inks or spot colors to get that true pop.
2. Color Varies Between Screens and Prints
This one disappoints a lot of people. Think about this:
Your computer screen displays a wider color range. That's because your screen uses RGB (red, green, blue).
And even with careful color calibration, the electric blue you see on your monitor will still turn out duller in print.
3. Not Ideal for Exact Color Matching
Ever wondered how Coca-Cola maintains their red brand color across materials? The answer is not four-color printing.
So, when should you use the four-color printing method?
1. Marketing Materials
Do you want your brochures or posters to have bold colors? Four-color printing does that and more.
This is the perfect method if you want to showcase:
Photographs
Complex designs
Detailed illustration
2. Books and Packaging
How do you think book covers are printed? CMYK is one of the printing methods you can use.
And you can use it on different paper types. That's everything from glossy to matte. Isn't that cool?
3. Large Print Runs
Do you need hundreds or thousands of copies? CMYK printing is the cost-effective option.
Just like I already said, this method only uses four inks. That's cheaper than custom-mixed spot colors.
Spot-Color Printing
The printer uses pre-mixed inks to produce prints. Ever heard of Pantone Printing? It's the same method.
Here, there's no need to blend cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks for it to work.
So, how does this method work?
Each color you need comes from a standardized system. PMS (Pantone Matching System) is the most popular one in most printers.
You may think of it like ordering paint from a hardware store. But instead of buying red and blue to mix at home for the right shade of purple, you pick the ready-made purple one.
Advantages
1. Color Accuracy
This method uses already-mixed inks. That's why you'll get the same quality today, tomorrow, or even 3 months later.
Your brand's signature color should remain the same across all materials. Whether on:
Business cards
Packaging, or
Billboards
Companies with strict brand guidelines make sure of this. Coca-Cola, Starbucks, or Apple are a perfect example.
2. Unique Color Shades
Metallics, fluorescents, or even pastel colors are available. And spot-color printing does a beautiful job.
As I mentioned, four-color printing struggles with these shades, so you risk having a dull print or one with inconsistent color.
The next time you want to print that neon green concert flyer or a shimmering gold wedding invitation, use spot-color printing.
Limitations
1. It Costs More for Multiple Colors
CMYK uses just four colors. Spot-color printing does not. You apply as many colors as your design requires.
But there's a catch:
Each color requires a separate printing plate. So, you have to spend more.
Of course, a two-color job may be affordable. But what about the cost of printing five or six spot colors?
That's why I only recommend this design for simple, color-specific designs rather than full-color photographs.
2. It's Limited for Complex Images
Do you want your print to have a sunset's soft blend of orange to purple? The truth is it's nearly impossible with spot colors. This method does an excellent job only with solid hues and defined edges.
3. It Takes Longer to Set Up for Small Runs
Spot-color is not a press-and-print method. There is a preparation stage. You have to set up a custom plate for each color. And this takes longer and more money.
So, when should you use spot-color printing?
1. Branding and Logos
…that must be exact.
What people see first about your brand is the logo. The branding colors should remain the same.
Here's an example:
Starbucks’ signature color is green. They don't use forest green in one material and mint green in the other. It is always the same shade of green.
If yours is different, that's a problem. You can solve it using spot colors.
2. Specialty Printing
This is about those printing projects that require custom colors. Maybe a rich gold, a neon pink, or a soft lavender. If yours is such a project, spot colors make it happen.
3. Packaging Materials
Of course, luxury brands always go with high-end packaging. Pantone colors are the best if you want to achieve that upscale look that is seen on:
Business cards
Letterheads
Luxury packaging
I'm talking about the deep black on an Apple product box or the iconic blue of Tiffany's packaging.
4. Short Print Runs
…with fewer colors
Spot-color printing is cost-friendly if working with one or two dominant colors. If your print doesn't need full-color printing, you may use it.
How to Choose the Right Printing Method
1. Color Accuracy
Does your brand rely on a signature color? And would it be a disaster if your logo looked slightly different on brochures versus business cards?
Spot-color printing ensures your brand colors remain the same everywhere. Four-color printing does not. The quality you get from the second option also depends on the:
Printer
Paper
Ink settings
2. Colors in Your Design
How many colors does your design have? Spot-color printing is excellent for bold designs. But the disadvantage is that it's only more effective for limited colors.
What if your project includes a sunset, a detailed illustration, or a multicolored logo? That's too detailed for spot-color printing. I recommend using the four-color printing for such print jobs.
3. Budget and Print Quantity
Spot-color printing works well for bulk orders. But you have to pay more if you are working with short runs that have multiple colors.
Final Thoughts
So, which one is better? Is it the four-color printing or just using spot colors?
This knowledge is important if you want to make the right choice between the two.
Both of them have their strengths and weaknesses, but the best one depends on your needs.
