The Power of Colour Psychology in Print: Choosing the Right Palette for Maximum Impact

When it comes to great print design, colour isn’t just decoration - it’s persuasion. It shapes how people feel, what they remember, and even whether they pick up your leaflet or bin it five seconds later.

That’s the magic of colour psychology. And in the world of print, where your design lives in the real world and doesn’t vanish with a scroll, it becomes even more powerful.

In this post, we’ll walk you through how to use colour strategically in your printed marketing - so your brand stands out and sticks.

What Is Colour Psychology?

Colour psychology is the study of how colours influence our emotions and behaviour. It’s used in everything from interior design to packaging - but it’s especially important in branding and marketing.

Why? Because the colours you choose set the tone before a single word is read. They can signal quality, create trust, trigger excitement, or reinforce eco credentials - sometimes all in the blink of an eye.

What Different Colours Say (And When to Use Them)

Here’s a quick guide to what colours typically represent, and how you might use them in your printed materials:

• 🔴 Red – Energetic, urgent, passionate

Great for: Sale flyers, food brands, or anything action-driven. Red demands attention.

• 🔵 Blue – Calm, trustworthy, professional

Great for: Finance, healthcare, and tech brands. It builds credibility.

• 🟡 Yellow – Friendly, optimistic, attention-grabbing

Great for: Youth-focused campaigns, summer events, or any brand that radiates positivity.

• 🟢 Green – Natural, ethical, fresh

Great for: Eco brands, wellness businesses, and sustainability messaging.

• ⚫ Black – Elegant, powerful, sophisticated

Great for: Luxury products, high-end brochures, and statement stationery.

• 🟣 Purple – Creative, imaginative, premium

Great for: Beauty brands, boutique businesses, and anything with a spiritual or artistic edge.

• 🟠 Orange – Bold, warm, affordable

Great for: Retail, promotions, and brands that want to feel dynamic and approachable.

How to Choose the Right Colour Palette for Your Prints

So, how do you make sure your colour choices work in print? Here are a few tips from our design team:

1. Start With Your Brand Personality

Think about the feeling you want your print to give off. Professional and trustworthy? Bold and cheeky? Understated and refined?

Your colours should reflect that. And they should be consistent - across leaflets, brochures, banners, and beyond.

2. Focus on Contrast and Readability

Not all colour combinations work well in print. Bright colours on screen can look muddy on paper, and poor contrast can make your text hard to read. We always check colour contrast and legibility - so your message is clear at a glance.

3. Keep It Simple

Too many colours can look chaotic. Stick to a tight palette: 2–3 core brand colours, plus one or two accents for highlights or calls to action.

4. Use Special Finishes to Enhance Colour

Want to elevate your colours even further? Finishes like spot UV, foiling, or soft-touch lamination can make your colours pop - and turn something simple into something premium.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

We’ve seen it all over the years - and these are the pitfalls worth steering clear of:

❌ Choosing colours based on personal taste rather than brand message

❌ Using RGB colours that won’t print properly (we print in CMYK)

❌ Forgetting accessibility (e.g. poor contrast for those with visual impairments)

❌ Inconsistent colour matching across printed items

At Soar Valley Press, we help you avoid all of these. Our team ensures your colours are spot-on - visually and strategically.

We Love Helping Clients Find Their Colours

Whether you’re rebranding, launching a new product, or just refreshing your printed materials, we’ll help you choose a colour palette that speaks volumes.

We can help with:

✅ Colour matching to existing brand guidelines

✅ Sample prints so you can see colours before committing

✅ Full design support - from concept to final product

Let’s make sure your print isn’t just beautiful - but unforgettable.

Ready to Make Your Print Work Harder?

Get in touch with our friendly team and let’s chat about how colour can make your next print project even more impactful.

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