If your project calls for packaging, luxury print pieces, or anything that must look flawless across every material, I turn to Pantone. Pantone colors deliver precision and options that standard CMYK can’t match — like metallics, fluorescents, and deep, saturated hues. For you, that means packaging that stands out on the shelf, brand colors that stay consistent across every printer, and specialty designs that carry the same polished look no matter where they appear.
Pantone – Acronym for PMS – Pantone Matching System – Exact Color Matching
This is the industry standard for high end printables and where exact color matching is necessary:
Printing & Marketing
- Logo design & branding – ensuring exact brand colors across all platforms.
- Business cards – consistent, professional identity materials.
- Brochures & flyers – uniform reproduction of marketing colors.
- Posters & signage – accurate advertising in print and large-format.
- Web-to-print items – calendars, invitations, stationery.
Packaging & Consumer Goods
- Packaging – boxes, bags, and product sleeves.
- Labels & stickers – food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
- Cosmetics packaging – lipstick tubes, skincare containers, palettes.
- Luxury goods – jewelry packaging, gift bags, product boxes.
- Promotional products – pens, tote bags, water bottles, giveaways.
Fashion & Textiles
- Textiles & apparel – fashion design, uniforms, sportswear.
- Home décor fabrics – upholstery, curtains, bedding.
- Corporate uniforms – hospitality, airlines, retail staff attire.
Manufacturing & Industrial
- Paints & coatings – architectural, automotive, industrial finishes.
- Plastics manufacturing – toys, electronics casings, household goods.
- Ceramics & glassware – mugs, dishes, decorative items.
Events & Environments
- Vehicle wraps & graphics – cars, buses, trucks, branded fleets.
- Signage systems – directional, architectural, event signage.
- Sports gear & equipment – team jerseys, balls, helmets.
- Flags & banners – events, trade shows, outdoor promotions.
How PMS / Pantone Works:
- Pantone colors are pre-mixed using very precise formulas. CMYK colors are mixed from the standard four inks – cyan, magenta, yellow, black.
- Each Pantone color is assigned a unique code – example: PMS 186 C. This precision ensures that the color will print the same way every time, no matter what the printer or material.
- Regarding business branding, PMS colors ensure exact color consistency across different print jobs.
- PMS / Pantone produces colors that are impossible to achieve with CMYK, such as metallics, fluorescents, deep, rich hues and custom colors.
- PMS / Pantone colors are often used alongside CMYK when printing materials that require both full-color images and specific brand colors. This is known as spot color PMS / Pantone.
- I always advise my clients that PMS / Pantone colors are more expensive than CMYK. This is because PMS / Pantone requires specialized ink dependent on the job and it’s requirements.
- PMS / Pantone is ideal for larger print runs or when exact color matching is critical.