Guide to Printing Gradients

Gradients look stunning on a screen, but when it comes to printing, they can be tricky. What looks perfect on your computer or phone screen, doesn't always translate when printed.

This blog will cover some of the basics behind colour theory and what makes a good gradient.

What is a Gradient?

A gradient is a gradual transition between two or more colours. They can be subtle (e.g. light blue to dark blue) or dramatic (pink to yellow).

While digital displays can show millions of different colours, printers only have a limited colour range, which means some colours don't blend smoothly when printed.

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What Makes a Good Gradient Colour Scheme?

Good gradients are made from colours that naturally blend together. When printed, this helps the colours flow smoothly.

Here are some colour scheme types that work best (refer to Fig. 1.1 and 1.2 below).

1. Analogous Colours

These are colours that sit next to each other on the colour wheel. For example: purple, red and orange. They share similar tones, so they merge gradually and evenly when printed.

2. Monochromatic Colours

A gradient made from different shades of the same colour. For example: a darker red to a lighter red. This is one of the safest options for print.

3. Soft and Mid-Range Colours

Extremely bright or dark colours can be difficult to reproduce in print. Mid-range tones blend better and show smoother transitions.

What Makes a Bad Gradient Colour Scheme?

Not all colour combinations are the same quality. Some gradients that look good on screen can cause issues in print.

1. Complimentary Colours

These are colours that sit on opposite sides of the colour wheel. For example: blue and yellow, or pink and green. While they contrast nicely, they don't blend, so the transition can look muddy or grey in the middle.

2. High Contrasting Colours

Gradients that jump from very light to very dark can produce visible banding (lines where the colours should blend smoothly).

3. Too Many Colours

The more colours you you try to blend, the more likely the printer will struggle to transition evenly between them. Try to use as few colours as possible when designing gradients.

Fig 1.1 Colour Schemes

What Happens If You Print a Bad Gradient

When a poor colour combination is printed, you might notice:

1. Banding: visible lines or "steps" where the printer has run out of colours to use to blend them together.

2. Muddiness: a dirty or grey tone where the contrasting colours meet.

3. Loss of vibrancy: colours may appear duller than they appear on screen due to printer limitations.

These issues can happen because printers can only mix a limited range of colours. When your gradient uses colours outside this range, the printer has to approximate them, often leading to uneven blending.

Fig 1.2 Basic Colour Wheel

Gradient Examples

When looking at these gradients, notice where the colours are located on the colour wheel.

Bad Gradient - Notice the banding and the muddy grey in the transition

Bad Gradient - Notice the banding and the muddle grey in the transition

Good Gradient - Analogous Colour Scheme (colours are side by side on the colour wheel)

Good Gradient - Monochromatic Colour Scheme (different shades of the same colour)

Disclaimer:

Please note that Raw Inkk printers may naturally produce fine lines when printing large areas of solid colours. This is a normal characteristic of the printing process. The information provided in this blog is intended as a general guide only. It should not be taken as definitive, as printing results can vary and printers may behave unpredictably under different conditions. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us on (07) 4636 1422.