How to Explain the Printing Process on a Four Color Press

A four color press can be used to print almost any color image

A four color press uses the CMYK color model to print with four plates, one with each color. The four color process is used to create posters, business cards, brochures and other jobs where a full range of color is necessary. The four color process is popular because of its smooth and even look, as well as an even color distribution.

Instructions

1. Start by describing the difference between the CMYK color models and others, particularly the RGB model. The RGB color model uses red, green and blue, the three primary colors, to make different colors. The combination of all three creates black. The difference between the two is that the CMYK model uses colors that, when combined, can create any other color with more specificity and detail than just primary colors. The addition of black (the K in CMYK) allows for proper printing of images.

2. Use visual aids if possible. Print out sheets of paper that are solely Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black and glue to a poster board. This is the best method in describing the four different plates that a four color printing press uses.

3. Use a graphic editing program to split an image into its CMYK channels. To do this select "Channels" from in your software and select "CMYK." You can then make each channel visible and the other three invisible and demonstrate what each of the four images will look like when they are separated. Explain that one image separates into four different images according to color. These images are then brought together in the final step of the printing process.

4. Show a video of the printing process itself. A video helps somebody understand what the process is like from beginning to end.

References

• Graphic Design Employment: What's the Difference Between 4 Color Process Printing and Spot Color Printing?
• Printing For Less: Four Color Process Explained