Adobe Illustrator - spot colour black? Do I create a new 'black' swatch?

Question

Using Adobe Illustrator I need to produce a document that is black and a spot PMs colour. Ok I've got the PMS colour sorted but what about the black? Do I simply use the 'K' black in the colour palate, or do i need to create a seperate spot black swatch and use that? Do they simply print the black from the CMYK when making their plate for black? hope this makes sense! It's been so long since i've dealt with spot colour artwork.

Answer 1

You can use the black from the cmyk palette. When your printer goes to plate, they can use it without having to run the CMY.

You could create a separate black spot color swatch, but in my experience, that's more trouble, because inevitably, you end up with some things in the spot color black and then some things in the cmyk black.

Answer 2

You should be aware that cost will be effected depending on which route you take. You can use a CMYK black but then you'll have the 4 CMYK plates PLUS the spot color plates. Or you could use 100% K for one plate, but this is not recommended for it is way too much ink and smears easily or does not dry, and definitely a no-no for printing on newsprint.  So it really depends on how many plates you'd like to use or pay for.

Hope that helps!