Digital Printing and Color Matching
Dallas, TX – In the printing world color is regulated. Universally, the recognized color system is called “Pantone Matching System” or PMS. When matching color using the Pantone color chart and using a single color (spot color) the task is quite simple. However, if the customer specifies a color using a sample swatch and the color is not on the Pantone Color Chart, it is considered a custom color. To match a custom color using PMS all we need to do is select a color that comes as close as possible to our desired color. The PMS chart will specify the two or more colors necessary to match the sample. The chart then recommends the measured weights (in ounces) required to obtain the correct Pantone color match. Okay, sounds easy.
What happens when we try to match Pantone color systems to four color processing, when using digital printing equipment? Well, when using either offset printing or digital printing, the Pantone color system won’t work. Also, when printing four color process, all colors become custom. This is because when we superimpose small dots made up of CMYK a “rosette pattern” is created. By layering black and the three basic colors we create an image that represents a photograph unfortunately the colors never seem to match.
So how do we specify and match colors using CMYK? Remember, when producing four color process, digital printing and offset presses lay down tiny dots creating a matrix pattern that resembles rosettes. The trick at hand is to match the Color of the rosette to the customers swatch. That being said we have a helping color chart.
The Pantone Corporation has a color matching chart called “Color Bridge.” The goal is to use this chart to match the Color Bridge of the CMYK to the spot color. The spot color and its corresponding number are located to the left and the CMYK color and its corresponding number are located to the right. Since it is rare that the colors match perfectly, a customer will likely have to come up with a suitable match that they can live with. Most times a close match can be found nearby in the spectrum. Sometimes you are fortunate and can find an exact match. Then there are occasions when certain color spectrums leave us without a CMYK equivalent.
When selecting a color using Pantone color with CMYK and its number that you can live with, make note of the number and give it to your printer. You won’t need to know or understand how the recipe is made. But a professional digital printing company will record that number and the recipe for your use in future repeat orders. Just make certain that you let your printer know that you are specifying that it’s the CMYK match of the spot color you chose, and that you are both on the same page. Then you can look forward to a job well done. When in the early stages of color decision making, it is always advisable to consult with a printing professional.
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Phillip Crum is the Chief Idea Officer of Sir Speedy Walnut Hill located at 2414 Arbuckle Court Dallas, TX 75229, and is committed to the idea of helping small business owners do a better job of finding their next customer or client. Phillip can be reached at 214-213-7445, or via email.
Copyright © 2006-2010 Phillip Crum
