Process color (and similar terms) refers both to a method of reproducing colored images on printing presses, and to the specific printed colors that result from that method. Other ways of referring to this printing process include "four color," "CMYK," "full process" and "full color."
The four-color printing process uses four standard ink colors printed with dots that are blended and sized to create all the colors seen in a photo. Three primary colors, Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow, plus Black are the colors used. Using black ink provides shadow detail and reduces the amount of the primary colors needed to print dark hues.The three process-color inks are primary colors. That is, the colors are theoretically capable of being combined to produce all other colors.

Spot Color Printing is the method of printing where each color is printed with its own ink from its own plate. Spot color printing is most effective when the printed graphic or image contains colors that must precisely match predetermined colors.

Offset Printing is the process of transferring ink from a metal printing plate to a rubber covered cylinder to the paper product surface.

Offset printing uses a planographic plate that works on the principle that grease and water do not mix. The printing press is equipped with a water unit and an ink unit. The water unit touches the plate laying a thin coat of water on the non-image area. The surface of the image area repels the water. The ink roller then rolls over the plate. Ink, being like grease, is repelled by the water on the non-image area. The ink sticks to the image area allowing the image to be transferred.

Four color process and spot colors are printed using this method. Most of Drum-Line's notebooks and notepads are offset printed.

An image is depressed into the material's surface by a metal plate called a die. The impressed image sits below the product surface. The difference between deboss and hot foil stamp is that no foil is used to create the image with debossing. On a deboss imprint, the cover material is impressed, causing the material to darken, creating a crisp reproduction of the artwork with no ink or foil.

Available standard on Executive Journals. Also available on Classic and Premium Cover Journals.

Foil Stamp

Drum-Line’s Journals are foil stamped on a hard chipboard or polypropylene cover.
A plate or "die" is made for every color used in the imprint.

The hot foil stamp process is the transfer of an image onto a surface via a copper or magnesium die that is heated. A ribbon of foil is placed between the book cover and the die. Pressure is applied and foil is transferred to the book cover in the shape of the die.

The quality of the imprint is determined by several things, such as heat, foil type, and dwell time. All of these have to be adjusted for each product, foil, and imprint, to get the best possible results.

Artwork with fine lines or type and close registration will not foil stamp effectively.

Digital Printing

Electronically printed insert sheet can be placed behind a translucent poly cover. One to full color digital printing is available. Digital printing is another method of printing that eliminates the numerous mechanical steps of offset printing. However PMS matches are more difficult to achieve with digital printing.

UV Coating

A clear coating for protection and sheen. The UV indicates the coating is cured by ultra violet light. It can be high gloss or matte. All of Drum-Line's offset printed coil notebooks are finished with a UV coating.