“Color Builds” Can Save Ink and Plates on Press

After reading how to create a “color build” in the “Design” article above, maybe you would like to understand how it translates to press? The basic principle is that by using percentages of screens (or tints) of two different spot (or Pantone) colors, you can create what appears to be an extra color in your design . . . without needing the extra ink and plate on press.

A color build is accomplished on press when tints of the two spot colors slightly overlap at different screen angles. What is a “screen angle”? Think of it this way: an image or color is composed of rows of dots. To create a third distinct color by overlapping the two original colors, the dots in one color must be shifted slightly (like turning a dial), so that the rows of dots blend with each other rather than overprinting on each other.

In a 4-color process job the illusion of spot colors are created by specific percentages of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black. A 4-color process job can simulate the look of a spot color by breaking the spot color out to 4-color. This means using percentages of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black to simulate the spot color. However, not all spot colors are achievable in 4-color. In the Pantone Swatch Book, colors that will translate to 4-color are indicated with 4 little circles. The Pantone Bridge Swatch Book illustrates how the color will look when broken out to 4-color and what the mix should be.

For further reference, see “A Walk Through the Offset Printing Process” in our Spring 2009 newsletter and “Achieve More ‘Color’ While Saving Money with Spot Screens” in our Fall 2008 newsletter, archived online.

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