Is spot color printing more expensive than process printing?

Not always. Cost depends on how many colors your job uses, because each spot color needs its own ink station on press. For simple jobs, spot can actually be the cheaper route.

• One or two colors: spot often costs less than full CMYK, since fewer ink stations run.
• Each added spot color: raises the price, as it needs another plate and station.
• Four or more colors: CMYK usually becomes the more economical option.
• Exception: if you need a color outside the CMYK range, like a metallic or a precise brand hue, spot can be worth the cost at any count.

Count your colors first, then let that number guide which method saves money.