You have a company logo in a precisely defined color, recorded in the brandbook as Pantone 286 C. The printing house prints in standard CMYK and... the color doesn't match. The blue is different. Problem? CMYK will never perfectly replicate all Pantone colors. When is it worth paying extra for printing in special colors and when is CMYK enough?
What are Pantone colors (PMS)?
Pantone Matching System (PMS) is an international color standard used in graphics, printing, and branding. The Pantone system contains over 2000 precisely defined shades, each with a unique identification number (e.g., Pantone 485 C, Pantone 7467 U).
Key difference: Pantone colors are spot colors – they are printed with pure, ready-made inks, not CMYK mixtures.
How does Pantone printing work?
In offset printing, we typically use 4 inks: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key (black). In the case of Pantone:
- The printing house prepares an additional ink in the exact Pantone shade
- This ink is applied as a separate color (additional plate)
- The color is identical on every print – regardless of paper, light, or time
CMYK vs Pantone: Key Differences
| Feature | CMYK (Process Colors) | Pantone (Spot Colors) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of inks | 4 (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) | 1 ready-made ink in the exact shade |
| Color gamut | ~70% of colors visible to the eye | 100% of Pantone colors (including neons, metallics) |
| Color precision | Mixture – may vary by 5-10% | Exactly the same color every time |
| Cost | Standard (no extra charge) | +30-50% to printing cost |
| Application | Photographs, promotional materials | Branding, logo, visual identity |
| Lead time | Standard | +1-2 days (ink preparation) |
Expert Tip:
Check your brandbook: If your company has a brandbook, the "Logo" or "Corporate Colors" section should contain the Pantone code. Example: "Pantone 485 C" or "PMS 7467". The letter at the end indicates the version (C = Coated, U = Uncoated).
When to choose Pantone? (Worth the extra cost)
1. Company logo with brandbook
If your company has a defined corporate color in the Pantone system, it's worth printing in Pantone on all key materials:
- Business cards for management/executives
- Letterhead (stationery)
- Presentation folders
- Event materials (roll-ups, trade show posters)
Example: Coca-Cola uses Pantone 485 C (red). McDonald's – Pantone 123 C (yellow), Pantone 485 C (red). For globally recognized brands, color precision = recognition.
2. Visual identity (CI / CD)
When building a consistent brand image across multiple media:
- Promotional gadgets (mugs, pens)
- Uniforms (shirts, printed hoodies)
- Company vehicle signage
3. Fluorescent and metallic colors
CMYK will not print:
- Neon, fluorescent colors (e.g., Pantone 802 C – neon pink)
- Metallic colors (gold, silver – e.g., Pantone 871 C)
- Pastel shades (e.g., Pantone 9361 C – soft pink)
When is CMYK enough?
It's not always worth paying extra for Pantone. CMYK is sufficient when:
- Photographs and full-color graphics – CMYK handles complex images well
- One-time promotional flyers – where color precision is not critical
- Internal materials – presentations, reports, working documents
- Projects without a brandbook – if you don't have a specified Pantone, CMYK is the natural choice
- Mass brochures/magazines – where costs are key
Example of savings:
A5 flyer, print run of 10,000 pcs. CMYK: ~€1,050. CMYK + 1 Pantone: ~€9,200. Difference: €8,150. Is it worth it? If it's a one-time event material – probably not. If it's the CEO's business cards for 5 years – definitely yes.
Pantone Printing Costs
Why is it more expensive?
Each additional Pantone color involves:
- Additional plate – the printing house must prepare a separate printing plate (+200-400 PLN)
- Pantone ink – ready-made, prepared in a precise shade (+50-150 PLN)
- Preparation time – the printing house must mix/order the ink (+1-2 days)
- Machine cleaning – after each Pantone, the rollers must be cleaned (+time/cost)
Sample Prices (2024)
| Material | Print Run | CMYK (4+0) | CMYK + 1 Pantone | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business cards 90x50mm | 500 pcs. | 250 PLN | 450 PLN | +200 PLN |
| A5 flyers | 10,000 pcs. | 2500 PLN | 3500 PLN | +1000 PLN |
How to Order Pantone Printing?
Step 1: Find the Pantone Code
Check your company's brandbook or ask the graphic designer who designed the logo. The code looks like this: Pantone 286 C or PMS 7467 U.
The letter at the end:
- C (Coated) – for coated (glossy) paper
- U (Uncoated) – for uncoated (matte) paper
Step 2: Prepare the File
In graphic programs (Illustrator, InDesign):
- Select the logo element
- Choose Pantone Color Book (Window → Color → Swatches → New Swatch → Pantone)
- Search for your Pantone (e.g., type "286")
- Save as PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 retaining spot colors
Is it worth buying a Pantone fanchart?
A fanchart (Pantone swatch) costs ~€140-190. It's worth buying if: (1) You frequently print corporate materials, (2) You need precise color control, (3) You work with multiple printing houses. For a one-time project – skip it. Trust a professional printing house.
Step 3: Order a Color Proof
Proof (color sample) is a test print on real paper with real Pantone ink. It costs 50-100 PLN but helps avoid mistakes on a print run of 10,000 pcs.
Most printing houses offer digital proof (free) or offset proof (paid). For precise projects – always order offset proof.
Summary: CMYK vs Pantone Decision
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Management business cards, letterhead | Pantone |
| Brandbook logo defines Pantone | Pantone |
| Neon/metallic colors | Pantone (only option) |
| Promotional, one-time flyers | CMYK |
| Photographs, full-color graphics | CMYK |
| Mass brochures (10,000+ pcs.) | CMYK (savings) |
Need Pantone color printing?
Fill out the form – we will prepare a project for your company with precise Pantone colors, checked with the brandbook.
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