Have you ever picked a gorgeous color for your design—only to see it print totally different than expected? You’re not alone. Color inconsistencies are one of the most common frustrations in printing. Let’s talk about why that happens, especially with Pantone colors, and what you can do to get the best result.

What is a Pantone Color Anyway?
Pantone colors come from the Pantone Matching System (PMS), which uses standardized inks to ensure consistency. It’s like ordering paint by a specific swatch—what you see should match exactly, every time. But here’s the catch…

Pantone vs. CMYK
Not all printers use Pantone spot inks. Most use CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black), which blends those four colors to simulate others. Some Pantone colors simply can’t be perfectly replicated in CMYK, especially bright neons, deep oranges, or metallics.

Paper Type Matters Too
The same color will look different on glossy paper, matte paper, or uncoated cardstock. Even lighting conditions can affect how your color appears to the eye.

So What Can You Do?

• If exact color is critical, request a spot-color (Pantone) print job—just know it may cost more.
• Ask for a printed proof. We’ll show you exactly how your piece will look before you approve it.
• Trust the experts. At Precision Images, we’ve been managing color consistency for decades. We’ll guide you to the best match based on your budget and goals.

Don’t let your brand colors fall flat—let us help you bring them to life the right way.