Emma Davis Print Production Specialist at 4OVER4.COM
Emma is our prepress and print production voice, built from the knowledge of our production team, with over 20 years in printing.
Question
What is an overprint?
Answer
An overprint is any additional printing done on an area that has already been printed. Instead of knocking out (removing) the background where a new element sits, the top ink is printed directly over the ink beneath it so the two layers combine.
- Overprint vs knockout: overprinting layers ink on ink, while a knockout leaves a gap for the top color.
- Common use: black text set to overprint avoids thin white gaps if the plates shift slightly.
- Watch out: unintended overprints can change colors where inks mix, so check your prepress settings.
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