A color image processing method and apparatus in which reproducibility of gray color is improved. UCR processing and black color density extraction processing are performed so as to compensate homogeneity of gray color by changing the setting of UCR and black color toner/ink amount in an intermediate density area and high density area. When brightness (RGB) image signals are converted into density (YMCBk) image signals, in the masking UCR circuit 406-2, UCR and black color toner/ink amount is increased in the intermediate density area, while UCR is reduced in the high density area. Or UCR and black color toner/ink amount is increased in the intermediate density area and achromatic area of the intermediate density area is expressed only by the black component, while the UCR is reduced in the high density area. Corresponding density image signals are thus converted.