Optical fiber cable with core element having surface-deposited color layer

A method of forming an optical cable comprising:

• providing an extruded and cooled first buffer tube surrounding an optical fiber, wherein the first buffer tube is formed from a material having a first color;
• depositing a first colorant material to the outer surface of the extruded and cooled first buffer tube forming a colored area on the outer surface of the first buffer tube that extends axially along the outer surface of the first buffer tube, the first colorant material having a second color;
• providing an extruded and cooled second buffer tube surrounding an optical fiber, wherein the second buffer tube is formed from the material having the first color;
• depositing a second colorant material to the outer surface of the extruded and cooled second buffer tube forming a colored area on the outer surface of the second buffer tube that extends axially along the outer surface of the second buffer tube, the second colorant material having a third color;
• and
• coupling the first buffer tube and the second buffer tube together after the first colorant material is deposited and after the second colorant material is deposited.