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What is a Spot Color?

Frequently Asked Questions Artwork & Printing

Spot color printing is a printing process in which each color is printed using only its own ink. That might seem logical, but think about how a computer prints color documents. Digital printing is kind of like mixing red and yellow watercolor paints in kindergarten. For example, orange is a mix of magenta and yellow inks. With spot color printing, on the other hand, that orange ink comes straight from a bottle.

Graphic Ink

Spot color printing is most often used on promotional items that have a one-color design in one location. More than three colors, and spot color printing gets pretty pricey.

Examples of Spot Color Printing

Screen printing and pad printing are both examples of spot color printing. Click on those links and see how they're done! It's almost as much fun as being back in your kindergarten art class!

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