2 spot colors = gradient = fullcolor?

[Mogeek]

Hello Out There,

I'm actually a designer but I'm always looking for more info on the print industry so that I can better understand the process/workflow required by a shop so that I can make everybody's life easier when I send off a print piece.

Probably a silly question: If I'm using 2 spot colors and create a gradient from the 2 or create a gradient from 1 spot w/percentages then this would mean that the design needs printed in CMYK correct?

So I assume it would be cheaper to simply print in full-color rather than 1 or 2 spots w/CMYK...

Any help would be appreciated...

 

[meddington]

If I'm using 2 spot colors and create a gradient from the 2 or create a gradient from 1 spot w/percentages then this would mean that the design needs printed in CMYK correct?

Not sure I follow completely, but a gradient of a spot, or two spots doesn't indicate the need for 4 color process. Spot colors can be gradated as any other channel. It does get trickier to accurate predict/proof what this will look like when actual ink hits paper, but it doesn't necessitate CMYK.

 

[Mogeek]

Thank You Meddington,

I don't exactly have this situation at the moment, I'm really just curious from an economic standpoint for the client.

I typically deliver 1 of 2 things:

1. full-color CMYK print job
2. print job utilizing a couple spot colors

So I now know its possible thanks...

I suppose the new question would be would they be charged for more than 2 colors? I'm such a idiot when it comes to the actual process. Would it require more than "2 plates" setup to achieve that gradient effect with the 2 spots?

Thanks again guys/gals

 

[meddington]

Would it require more than "2 plates" setup to achieve that gradient effect with the 2 spots?

2 spots = 2 plates, so from a plate standpoint, this is less expensive. However, the inks used may need to be mixed or ordered, which could negate that savings. Not to mention potential runnability issues when mixing two spot gradients. Usually things are more predictable with CMYK gradients, as we have profiles/look up tables to know how they will look on given substrates. This is largely lacking for spot gradients, particularly when they mix together.

 

[Mogeek]

Great to know!

Big thanks to you... you've been great!

 

[nagrom]

Personally I find that using the 2 spot colours in this case will give the best effect and it will also be far easier for the printer to control the colour throughout the run.

 

[meddington]

Personally I find that using the 2 spot colours in this case will give the best effect and it will also be far easier for the printer to control the colour throughout the run.

Hard to argue with that I suppose. My issue primarily comes from the proofing aspect. Trying to predict what two spot colors will look like when combined in a gradient is often not something easily achieved even with otherwise competent proofing systems.

 

[tmiller_iluvprinting]

Hard to argue with that I suppose. My issue primarily comes from the proofing aspect. Trying to predict what two spot colors will look like when combined in a gradient is often not something easily achieved even with otherwise competent proofing systems.

Hi Mike,
I have found a workaround in GMG for proofing gradients made with 2 spots. I will define the 2 spots as 'free spot colors' and give them the closest 4 color breakdown that I can, and select Use Profile for Output. Not as good as ink, but much better than GMG trying to convert Lab to dot %!
-Best regards,
Todd

 

[meddington]

Hi Mike,
I have found a workaround in GMG for proofing gradients made with 2 spots. I will define the 2 spots as 'free spot colors' and give them the closest 4 color breakdown that I can, and select Use Profile for Output. Not as good as ink, but much better than GMG trying to convert Lab to dot %!
-Best regards,
Todd

Thanks for that Todd. That's a good idea, though it of course makes some assumptions about the ink interactions that are a bit unknown until press time.