What is PMS (Pantone Color Matching System) and how can i use it?

 "The Pantone Color Matching System is largely a standardized color reproduction system. By standardizing the colors, different manufacturers in different locations can all refer to the Pantone system to make sure colors match without direct contact with one another."

You can find a color chart here. (this link will open a new tab or browser window, and you will no longer be on www.artsupply.com, as well, we are not resposible for any information transmitted any links outside or our site).  Please note that all monitors will display the colors differently.

 

"One such use is standardizing colors in the CMYK process. The CMYK process is a method of printing color by using four inks—cyan, magenta, yellow and black. The vast majority of the world's printed material is produced using the CMYK process, and there is a special subset of Pantone colors that can be reproduced using CMYK. Those that are possible to simulate through the CMYK process are labeled as such within the company's guides.
However, most of the Pantone system's 1,114 spot colors cannot be simulated with CMYK but with 13 base pigments (15 including white and black) mixed in specified amounts.The Pantone system also allows for many 'special' colors to be produced such as metallics and fluorescents. While most of the Pantone system colors are beyond the printed CMYK gamut, it is only in 2001 that Pantone began providing translations of their existing system with screen based colors (Screen based colors use the RGB—red, green, blue—system to create various colors).

Pantone colors are described by their allocated number (typically referred to as, for example, 'PMS 130')."

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So, how can you use it? What are the practicle applications and benefits of using PMS?

 

Using the color chart here (this link will open a new tab or browser window, and you will no longer be on www.artsupply.com, as well, we are not resposible for any information transmitted through any links outside or our site), or a physical swatch book,  find the color you would like to use and have this printed onto your WHITE foamcore board, gator board . In addition, while selecting your color, you may choose "coated" or "uncoated" color, which the color chart or swatch book may specify. The difference between the two, "uncoated" will have a non reflective or matte, surface, while "coated" will have a glossy surface. By default the ink will have a "coated", glossy surface.  You must specify if you would prefer a matte or non reflective surface, as a certain ingediant must be added to the ink as it is printed on your Foamcore or Gatorboard.  

This process can only be applied to full cases (48" x 96") of  WHITE foamboard and gatorboard afterwhich, the product can then be cut into designated sizes for shipping purposes.  

the process begins with finding the color that you want (for example, 'PMS 130'), then calling our store (800) 937-4278, placing your order for that color to be printed on your full case of white foamcore or gator board. The total time of the process from beginning to end, meaning from the time you place your order until the time your shipment is recived, can vary. We usually ask that you designate or build into your personal timeline a minimum, 3 weeks. The reason is that the foamor gator will be shipped from the warehouse to the printing company, then back to the warehouse thento your designated shipment address.

Before your full case of foam or gator is inked or printed upon, we will request a sample that you will receive and approve, if you are matching an existing color.

if you do not need a sample please notify us, as this is a part of the process that affects and may or may not determines the length of time until you receive your order.  I once had a customer who received 3 samples before approving the final one, and it may be that this will be the case.

For more information, i have included a link to the manufacturer's website. Here you can create an account, find product information and many resources. PANTONE  (this link will open a new tab or browser window, and you will no longer be on www.artsupply.com, as well, we are not resposible for any information transmitted through any links outside or our site).