Nev's Ink has always provided companies with high-quality labeling and tape. However, defining colors for your custom labels can sometimes be tricky. This article will help you avoid any color issues so that your labels arrive exactly the way you expect them to.
Whether your custom labels are printed flexographically or digitally, it will use what’s called 4-color process printing. 4-color process printing applies varying layers of Ink – cyan, magenta, yellow, and ‘key’ black (CMYK). During this layering process, a slight variation to the color you need to match is possible. Because of this, we use what are called ‘spot colors’. Spot colors are individual pre-mixed colors generated from a set formula. When using spot colors, individual inks are applied to separate parts of the package or product. Spot colors are able to achieve shades outside the spectrum of the 4-color process.
It is important to keep in mind the differences between web and print design when you are designing and ordering your labels. Red, green and blue (RGB) colors are used for web design – these are the colors used on electronic devices like smartphones, computers, TVs, etc. As discussed above, print uses CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and ‘key’ black) to reproduce color. This is why it is important that you, your designer, or our team is designing the label artwork in the CMYK setting. Not only does this ensure that your color (s) will work with the 4-color printing process, but it also avoids the possibility of the colors altering when converting from the RGB format.
The Pantone® Matching System (PMS) is color matching system that is used across industries to select, match, and communicate shades of color. This is what we use to produce your spot colors! Before a spot color is printed, a PMS matching system pre-mixes the inks to achieve the exact color you are looking for. In order for us to do this, you will need to give us the PMS color number. Pantone does have an online color finder, but because electronic screens can display color differently, we recommend using a physical guide if available. As always, our team is here to help with this process if needed!
If you are ordering labels and are trying to match a color that already exists, the easiest way for us to match that exactly is for you to provide us with a pantone color. The next easiest way for us to match your color is for you to provide a physical sample. Whether it be a box, bottle, bag, or other item, allowing us to see the physical product and color is a simple step that can prevent issues and frustration down the line with your labels.
We understand that labeling solutions and the printing process may not be your expertise. Lucky for you, it is definitely ours! Contact our customer support team Monday – Friday, 8am – 4:30pm CST. Call us at (800) 638-7465 or email us at [email protected].
