The differences between Pantone colours and CMYK in printing

Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Blac(k) vs Pantone colours

There are times when our customers may want specific pantone printing references used in his or her project. However, more often than not, utilizing colours from CMYK would serve the client well, both in design and expense. In this article, we will define terms such as “CMYK” and “Pantone.” We will also provide an example of when each might be the preferable choice for your print project.

“CMYK” is a subtractive colour model, used in colour printing, and is also used to describe the printing process itself. CMYK refers to the four inks used in some colour printing: cyan, magenta, yellow, and key (black).

“Pantone” is a system of matching colours used in specifying printing inks. Pantone Formula Guides and Solid Chips contain 1,867 solid (spot) Pantone Matching System Colors. Most of these colours are referred to using a three or four-digit number followed by the letter C or U.

Printers often encourage their clients to create designs in which colours within the CMYK model are utilised. The reason: the CMYK colour model is typically more cost effective and allows for more flexibility in design than the Pantone system.

Most printing projects, even for business use, can be beautifully designed by utilizing the CMYK model. This is particularly true when the colour elements of the project do not require any government protection, such as a trademark or copyright.

The Royal Mail own their pantone colour!

However, there are situations when the specificity of the Pantone system is the more desirable option. A case in point is when a company has not only trademarked its logo, but also copyrighted the colours within that logo.

The Royal Mail, the entity that oversees the general mailing system in the United Kingdom, has copyrighted the organization’s primary colour (red). This action, which might seem a bit odd to some, ensures the Royal Mail’s corporate identity is maintained wherever they are advertised. All the post boxes are the same red wherever in the country boxes are placed.

Royal Mail boxes were originally green. However, they proved to be difficult to see in the UK’s famously dense fog. So, in 1874, the Royal Mail transitioned to what is now the iconic red boxes.

If brand continuity is utterly essential then the pantone matching route may be the way forward.

Regardless of your colour preferences, we at Afford A Print exist to make sure your printing designs meet your personal and/or corporate standards. We are here to serve you: Contact us today and we would be very happy to help you with your print project.

Why use us for your printing needs?

“This was my first time doing anything in regards to Business cards. Thank fully Nigel walked me through it every step of the way and with his prompt response and understanding nature, he has produced me and our company a great product. More than happy would be an understatement and would of course recommend.” D. Stokes

You can view more testimonials at Freeindex by clicking here.