The process you choose for printing color on your packaging will influence the quality of the finished product, the consistency of your design from order to order, and your overall costs. That’s why 4 color process printing is ideal for producing packaging designs with impact branding. CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) graphics can be printed in both translucent and opaque ink effects, leaving clear or translucent areas on your clear PET package to showcase your product. This is the best of both worlds where you can color brand your packaging and show what’s inside.

When printing on a clear substrate such as PET for your folding box package or gravity feeder, you can print translucent colors or print a white ink behind the colors to make the colors opaque and appear just as vibrant as if they were printed on a white substrate. With this in mind, our typical 4 color process is actually 4 colors plus white plus a UV protective coating. We can also add specialty spot colors (PMS) or an extra white to a 4 color process run. This process enables us to print translucent and opaque colors, to create graphics with metallic effects and realistic skin tones. We can also add details like texture, fragrance, embossing, hot or cold foil, and high-gloss or matte effects to create your ideal design.

What Is 4 Color Process Printing?

By using just four colors in various percentages—C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow) and K (black)—you can create an infinite number of colors, which makes 4 color process printing ideal for full-color photos and other complex images that include more than three colors. In addition, you can add spot colors and varnishes for exact matches and effects. While other color printing processes lay down a solid bed of one color ink, this process uses tiny dots of CMYK inks to create the image with infinite color variations. Printing on clear PET folding carton packaging allows you to showcase your product, build strong brand identity and provides a level of design sophistication not attainable with paper packaging. Create realistic flesh tones, smooth gradients and metallic effects with incredible consistency from print job to print job.

Is 4 color process printing the right choice for your graphics? If you’re using more than three colors or printing photographs, then yes. If you are ordering a lower volume that does not meet the minimum requirement for 4 color process, a different process may be more appropriate. Based on your design and packaging needs, we can help you determine which printing process is best for you; we also offer in-house silk screen printing if that is a better option for your needs.

Why Printex Transparent Packaging?

We have been in the industry since 1979. Not only have we watched packaging evolve through the years, but we have been a part of that evolution. We’ve adapted to meet the changing needs of our customers, and that commitment to innovation is taking us forward. Years of experience and cutting-edge technology give us the foundation for creative packaging solutions that have long been trusted by some of the biggest brands in the world. We work with companies in a variety of industries, including health and beauty, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, stationary, home entertainment, apparel, and more. 

At Printex Transparent Packaging, our team understands what packaging means to you. We know you need to ensure your product is secure, and that the package reflects your brand’s high standards for quality and professionalism. We work with you from concept to delivery, with a range of services that include design, prototyping, guidance on printing your graphics, as well as custom manufacture made in North America! If 4 color process printing is the right choice for your design, then we are able to add CMYK, extra spot colors, varnishes, foil stamping, and frosted effects. Offering 4 color process printing is just another way we make the packaging process simple for you, enabling you to meet all your packaging needs under one roof.

We can custom manufacture your clear folding boxes and give you the color and impact of a printed box. Let your customers see what’s in the box and experience the benefits of high impact graphics. We’re equipped to manage even the most complex packaging challenges, and we’re committed to creating a custom solution that suits your product and your brand. Contact us to learn more about our wide range of services, or request a quote for your project.