When it comes to printing, you’ll often hear about two types of colors: PMS Spot Colors and Process CMYK Colors. Understanding the difference between them is crucial for achieving the desired colors in your printed materials.
PMS Spot Colors:
PMS stands for Pantone Matching System, which is a standardized color reproduction system. PMS colors are pre-mixed ink colors that are specified using a unique code from the Pantone color matching system. Each PMS color is created by combining specific pigments to achieve a precise color. Using PMS spot colors ensures consistent color accuracy across different printing jobs, regardless of the printing method or substrate.
Process CMYK Colors:
CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black). Process CMYK colors are created by combining different percentages of these four ink colors. In the CMYK color model, varying percentages of each ink color are overlaid in tiny dots to produce a wide range of colors. Process CMYK is commonly used in full-color printing, such as magazines, brochures, and photographs, where a large number of colors are required.
PMS Spot Colors vs Process CMYK Colors
- Color Accuracy: PMS spot colors offer precise color matching, making them ideal for logos, branding elements, and specific color requirements. Process CMYK colors provide a broader color gamut but may vary slightly in color reproduction due to factors like printer calibration and paper type.
- Cost: Using PMS spot colors can be more expensive than process CMYK printing, especially for jobs requiring multiple spot colors. Process CMYK printing is more cost-effective for full-color printing, as it utilizes only four ink colors.
- Complexity: PMS spot color printing is straightforward and requires separate printing plates for each spot color. Process CMYK printing involves the intricate overlaying of tiny dots of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks to create a wide spectrum of colors.
Summary
In summary, PMS spot colors offer precise color reproduction for specific design elements, while process CMYK colors are more suitable for full-color printing projects. Choosing between them depends on factors such as budget, color accuracy requirements, and the complexity of the design.
If you have any questions about printing, feel free to reach out to us at 718-928-6888 or submit our quote request form. We’re here to assist you in any way we can.
Take care!
Jeff @ New York Printing Center
