Technical

PMS Colour Matching

The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a colour system that acts as a GUIDE only for colour matching.  PMS books are printed offset (lithographic) and clearly state in the introduction that the colours indicated would only be achieved using this print process on the same  papers used in the book.  Variables to colour accuracy include:

• the printing process used
• material being printed
• ink density
• the age of the PMS book (should be replaced every 12 months)
• and most importantly, viewing conditions.

Viewing colours under different lighting systems seems to be one of the most important factors in colour matching.  Lighting in offices, studios, workplaces and even natural light can have a marked effect on the accuracy of colours.  Technically, colours should be matched by the manufacturer in a light booth with a “natural” fluorescent light source, with the customer or end user using the same source.  Obviously this is not practical in most situations, which causes further frustrations from a colour matching perspective.

Full Colour Matching

Most full colour printing is generated from electronic files and is viewed on-screen or via a hard copy digital print-out.  These print-outs are not a true indication of the finished result and can only be used as a guide.  The same restrictions with PMS colour matching apply and the attempt to print spot PMS colours using CMYK is not normally successful.  Different printing processes will deliver varying resolutions which again will impact on the final result, however, digital printing does allow the customer to preview the finished product.   Machine proofing is an expensive option and unnecessary if the colour and resolution variables can be demonstrated by way of sampling.