Skip to main content
M
markeeeee
Inspiring
June 17, 2019
Answered

Photoshop: one color printing on to color paper look?

  • June 17, 2019
  • 1 reply
  • 634 views

I have a greyscale scale image. I want it to look like it is on top of a colour background i.e. the white in the image is see through, showing the colour behind. However, I want the greyscale image to just be greyscale (and not for the colour behind it to change the greys). Like using a one colour printing press to print on to colour paper.

I have tried making a duotone. I have also tried to make two layers and use the layer options. But it seems that the greys in the image don't stay grey, they are changed by the background colour? The colours go from yellow to black

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer davescm

    If it was genuinely printed using black ink on coloured paper it would look like the duotone i.e the transition would be gradual between the full yellow paper and the full black ink. To get neutral gray it would need to introduce white as per the color fill method above.

    Dave

    1 reply

    davescm
    Community Expert
    davescmCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    June 17, 2019

    Hi

    Personally I prefer the duotone look which is closer to printiong in black on coloured paper.
    However, to get a greyscale apart from the lightest colours, you could try a combination of a solid color fill layer (Layer > New Fill Layer >Solid Color) and Blend If sliders (right click the layer in the layers panel and choose blending options.

    By holding down the Alt key you can separate the slider to soften the transition

    Setting the blend mode to color burn (in addition to the above blend if) provides more variation

    Dave

    M
    markeeeeeAuthor
    Inspiring
    June 17, 2019

    Hi. Thank you. I've tried this, but to my mind it looks like the colour is eatting into the image. Rather than the image being on top of a colour background. It's not quite what I'm looking for.

    davescm
    Community Expert
    davescmCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    June 17, 2019

    If it was genuinely printed using black ink on coloured paper it would look like the duotone i.e the transition would be gradual between the full yellow paper and the full black ink. To get neutral gray it would need to introduce white as per the color fill method above.

    Dave

    Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
    Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices