Pantone® Color Matching 101
What is Pantone®?
According to their website, Pantone® “provides a universal language of color that enables color-critical decisions through every stage of the workflow for brands and manufacturers”. Basically, it’s a standardized set of colors that can be used across multiple platforms for a consistent and reliable end result.
Any major brand, college, or sports team will have a set of Pantone® colors they use to create their logo and other advertising materials.
Pantone® Matching System
As stated, Pantone® colors are relied on heavily in the manufacturing industry, quite specifically in screen printing. When we want to match a brand’s exact color, we reference the Pantone® Matching System, or PMS. This tool organizes an ever-growing collection of colors using a proprietary numbering system available in several formats for use across multiple industries.
In screen printing, we reference the Pantone® Solid Coated formulas which are specific to printed materials. A typical number will look like this: PMS 375C.
How to Match A Color
Most times, the brand or organization that is requesting a color match will be able to provide you with the Pantone® color codes. In case you need to find the match yourself, you will need a Pantone® Formula Guide and a printed material from your customer. Simply lay color swatches next to the color your customer is requesting until you find the closest possible match.
TIP: Never use a cellphone or computer monitor to color match. Digital output can vary from screen-to-screen, basically defeating the purpose of color matching.
How to Convert A Color
When ordering spot color screen printed heat transfers and requiring, you will need to provide your supplier with a PMS color code. If your customer can only provide you with a CMYK, RGB, or HEX color code, you will need to convert this to find the closest possible PMS match.
There are many tools available to convert one of these color codes to a PMS color, including the Pantone® website. Just enter the color code supplied by your customer and choose the Pantone® Formula Guide Coated option. You will be provided with the closest possible match as well as several alternative options.
What You Need to Know
Because Pantone® colors are proprietary, finding a match is usually not exact. For example, Howard Custom Transfers stock ink colors were uniquely mixed and then the closest available Pantone® color was found to provide customers with a frame of reference when looking at the colors on monitor.
HCT X PMS
Howard Custom Transfers can match nearly any Pantone® color. There is a one time $30 fee per custom color match. Once you pay for the color, we’ll keep it on our shelf and it’s yours to keep using – free of charge!
