Imagine you are all set to print a dreamy logo, but the output is a far cry from the vibrant vision you had in mind, all because your printer didn’t read the colors correctly. Disappointing, no? But there’s nothing to worry about as the PMS color chart comes as a sigh of relief in this situation. It guides designers and printers alike to achieve color consistency and accuracy, regardless of the printing process or material.
Want to know more? Let’s discuss the PMS color guide in detail, including its benefits and uses. Continue reading!
What is PMS Color?
Pantone Color System is the world’s most standardized color matching system created by a US-based company Pantone. This color system is used by many printers, marketers, artists, and graphic designers as it helps them specify and control colors for creative projects.
How Does PMS Work?
The Pantone Color System works as a universal language for color identification, ensuring consistent color reproduction across various media and materials. As of now, there are over 1000 distinct colors in the PMS color chart, including the metallic and fluorescent ones.
Each PMS color is given a unique code for easy identification. Not only this, but you’ll also see a specific suffix before each code that indicates the type of paper or material the color is intended for. Here’s an overview of the suffix used:
- C is used for colors that are suitable for coated paper.
- U is used for colors that are suitable for uncoated paper.
- M is used for colors that are suitable for matte paper.
But that’s not all! There are two other suffixes that are useful in the textile industry: TCX and TPX. The TCX (Textile Cotton eXtend) is the color done on cotton woven fabrics. On the other hand, TPX is the color switch printed on paper. The TCX has high color depth and low brightness, while the TPX color brightness is higher than that of the TCX.
What are the Benefits of PMS Color?
Now let’s discuss the benefits of PMS colors that highlight their importance for your art projects:
Color psychology is very important and impacts consumer decisions. Therefore, brands should use consistent colors to ensure that their visual identity remains intact across different platforms. The PMS color chart is a great help in this regard.
It’s a standardized system that allows colors to be reproduced the same way every time, regardless of the printing method or material. This consistency is crucial for maintaining brand recognition and trust in the highly competitive business world.
The PMS color chart also facilitates smooth communication between designers, manufacturers, and printers. How?
Well, each color has a specific code and you can simply share the exact codes with all parties involved in the production process to get the desired result. This significantly reduces the chances of miscommunication and errors in the final design.
Another benefit of PMS colors is the improved printing quality. This system provides high-quality prints with greater accuracy and fidelity to the original design.
It also ensures that colors are reproduced exactly as intended, eliminating color shifting. The end result is a clear and crisp design that truly reflects the designer’s idea.
Despite all these benefits, there’s one downside to working with PMS colors: they are expensive. It’s because PMS inks need to be mixed and prepared separately which increases production costs. In addition, their licensing can dent your budget, especially if you are a small business owner.
Where is the PMS Color Chart Required?
Let’s discuss the various applications of PMS color charts:
- Fashion: PMS is useful in the fashion industry, where designers require precise color matching to maintain consistency across various garments.
- Printing: Printers also use the PMS color chart to better understand the color requirements and deliver high-quality prints.
- Branding: Business owners also rely on PMS colors to have a cohesive brand identity across different marketing mediums, such as logos, retail packaging, and products.
PMS vs CMYK
Here’s an overview of the comparison of PMS color and CMYK:
CMYK
The term CMYK points towards four unique colors cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. The major color variations are achieved by mixing the first three colors and a small quantity of black is added to get a darker shade.
PMS
PMS, on the other hand, provides a vast color range beyond what CMYK can achieve. Instead of mixing colors like CMYK, colors are premixed and specified by a unique code. They also include specialty inks like fluorescent and metallics, expanding your creative possibilities.
FAQs
You can use a PMS color finder to find colors that closely align with your brand's identity. You can also rely on design software with Pantone color libraries. Simply identify the color with its unique code and make sure it matches the intended printing method.
Yes, PMS is universal. Designers and marketers widely use it to make informed color decisions throughout the design stage. Some statistics reveal that over 10 million designers and producers worldwide rely on PMS and its products for their projects.
Yes, PMS colors are also known as spot colors. Unlike CMYK, which is created using cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks, PMS colors are premixed. These spot colors ensure a consistent and accurate color reproduction experience.
Conclusion
The Pantone Matching System is incredible for everyone, from business owners to graphics designers, looking to archive precise colors. The depth of PMS colors brings your creative projects to life and leaves a lasting impression on viewers.
However, if you still find designing your packaging a hassle, LansBox has your back! We have 15 years of experience crafting aesthetically pleasing packaging solutions for our customers. The best part: We follow all the standard sustainability practices to ensure your brand can connect and convert eco-conscious customers. Our products aren’t only high-quality but also customized to meet your unique demands.
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