As kids, we all used the 12-pencil set that had all the colors that we needed to draw whatever we wanted. However, did you know that there are more than 500 colors and shades? When designing labels, a slight color change can be a problem and may cause issues with maintaining uniformity. How do I get an exact color match for my label? We will discuss the easy ways of matching colors and ensuring uniformity in the label designs.
When a manufacturer or label owner requires an exact color match, most designers use spot colors to get the results needed. There are many details of spot colors, and after reading this, you will know them all!
The 4 Color Process
The 4 color process involves using four colors Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key Black (CMYK). Software designers see this process as an option in graphic design software, which gives you a color palette of these four colors to create samples of labels. These colors look the same on-screen and in print, which makes them a foolproof combination.
The CMYK is also the order of color application when labels are printed. When the tiny dots of these four colors are used in painting, they create the different shades needed to give the final look of the picture, or label.
For example, if a label requires a picture of a girl wearing a green dress, the tiny dots of these four colors will be distributed on the screen in a density that will give the final look of the girl wearing the green dress. In places where the color should appear green, magenta, yellow, and cyan dots will be found in a density that seems green from a distance.
Similarly, black hair will use magenta and black dots in concentration to give the desired look. This 4 color process creates a uniform color match for all label requirements. To make the spot color inks, the graphic designers use the Pantone Matching System.
The Pantone is a uniform color guide, which has names and codes for the different colors and the numerous shades of each color. The physical Pantone Color Standards are quite different from the digital color simulations and the experience of the graphic designer comes in handy while designing the other labels.
Press artists can convert the CMYK color to the closest Pantone colors using Adobe Illustrator, which is an efficient software for label design. Your digitally designed label can look identical to the printed results with an effective color selection.
The Difference Between 4 Color Process and Spot Color Printing
The 4 Color Process works as the layers of tiny dots in four colors are applied in layers to give the final look.
However, variations in print and physical labels can be evident if the graphic designer is unable to match even one of these four colors to the exact shade that is needed. Spot colors are used for critical color matches to ensure that the printed label is identical to what you saw on the computer screen when it was designed.
Spot color printing is used when the colors have to match and are reproduced consistently. If one or more spot colors are used in printing, it can become a five, six, or seven-color process with additional shades to form layers of tiny dots.
If you compare the 4 Color Process with spot color printing, the difference is that the former uses tiny dots of four colors, while the latter is like using a roller to color the segment in a particular shade.
Just as you mix different shades of paint before painting a wall, spot color printing involves making the desired color by mixing different shades before applying them. Once the desired shade is established, you will not have to worry about the consistency of the label color. On the contrary, the 4 Color Process can result in different color appearances.
Matching Physical Art to Digital Colors
Many label printers ask graphic designers to share digital prints to match colors although a physical copy of the color palette needs to be matched before printing. The pre-press art department should be efficient enough to get the exact color match.
Pantone Matching System for Uniformity
Pantone is the de facto standard to ensure that the colors match in every way. This system is used in paints, textiles, label printing, and all other sectors where colors are involved. The Pantone colors are coded, and therefore anyone can match the colors with the reference shade and it can never miss. The use of Pantone makes it easier for designers to ensure that the colors are consistent.
Conclusion
Matching colors for labels can be tricky if you are unaware of the different color systems used in printing. We have discussed the various ways in which color matching can become easier. You can follow these systems to ensure that the brand label looks the same every time it is printed.
If you’re interested in learning more about our label services and would like for us to provide you with a FREE quote, trust the experts at M&R Label to help you!
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