Different Process Examples

What's the difference between Spot Color, 4-Color Process, and Simulated Process?

These are all common screen printing techniques used to deliver very different results. There are many factors that should be considered when deciding which process is best suited for your job.

The basics are as follows: spot color is the most common and the most cost-effective. It has it's limitations, but can also provide some great results with right artwork.

4-color process is used mainly when a photographic image needs to be printed and does cost more than a spot color design. It is required that the image be printed on a white shirt for best results.

Simulated process is used mostly on Dark colored garments when many tonal shades and colors are need. This the most expensive of the 3 processes.
Spot color designs are normally created in a vector based software program (CorelDraw or Adobe Illustrator).
These designs are the most common because they are the most cost effective. Each screen has its own color, for example, the shirt on the left uses black, white, red, brown, and green on a grey t-shirt. This would be know as as a 5-spot color job.
4-color process is a technique where four main colors (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, & Black - or CMYK) are used in order to create several hundred different colors.
Normally this is used when using a photographic image. This technique can only be achieved on a white or light colored t-shirt. The process is more technical and therefore does result in a higher price per shirt.
When a photographic image or illustration must be printed on a dark shirt, then you must us a simulated process technique.
Simulated process is the most technical of previous two listed. For that reason, the shirt cost is normally much higher than either of the two examples shown and is only cost effective if doing many shirts. This is an option, but please call for the details.