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C
cjarkie
Participant
June 9, 2017
Answered

Matching PMS colors on Coated and Uncoated paper

  • June 9, 2017
  • 2 replies
  • 8468 views

Hi,

I'm sure this question is on this forum somewhere, but I couldn't find it anywhere... Now, first forgive my noobness, but I can't seem to figure it out.

I have a client that I have created labels for (in Illustrator). They are for her skin care products.  Some labels are printed on matte paper and the Pantone colors I've used, she really likes (Pantone Uncoated colors).  However, for her waterproof labels, the paper is obviously different (coated) and so naturally the color is drastically different.

I've never had to match C and U colors before.

So, I understand the reasons why the color is different, but I don't know the best way to correct the issue.

Is it as simple as taking the same Pantone color U and finding it's a Coated version?

Thank you for any pointers.

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Stephen Marsh

At least you are going from uncoated to coated, so you have more chance of finding a “close” colour, they may never be perfect though unless the printer can create a custom mix or play with the anilox or print density to create a better “match”. Also if there is any lamination or other coating on the waterproof labels, then the appearance of the printed colour will change.

I would suggest that you purchase the Pantone Plus Color Bridge Set Coated/Uncoated fan guides:

Color Bridge Set Coated & Uncoated

You can then compare the uncoated to the coated colours to find the best match. This may NOT be the SAME number. This guide shows both spot and CMYK versions, however you would simply ignore the CMYK side and concentrate on the spots.

You can of course compare the Lab colour values in your Illustrator Swatches > Swatch Library > Color Books > PANTONE+ Solid Coated and PANTONE+ Solid Uncoated. You would need to first find the uncoated Lab colour value, then find a coated version that has the closest Lab values.

So, you may be able to find a close colour in the Coated library when compared to the Uncoated library, however you and your client will have a much better result if you talk with the print service provider and ensure that you are all on the same page and that you all have realistic expectations. Good luck!

2 replies

J
jdanek
Inspiring
June 13, 2017

"Is it as simple as taking the same Pantone color U and finding it's a Coated version?"...

No.  You could use Pantone's Solid Coated Guide to find an alternate using coated paper. What is the specific uncoated color you are trying to match?

C
cjarkieAuthor
Participant
June 13, 2017

There are several colors I need to match, but primarily P 5175 U, P 56-1 U...

Sounds like the only reasonable method is to have a color guide.

Stephen Marsh
Community Expert
Stephen MarshCommunity Expert
Community Expert
June 13, 2017

I would not say the “only reasonable method” as it is “easy enough” to find a visual close match in Illustrator using the Lab based swatches and then to “refine” the match using the Lab values once you have a shortlist… However the value of having access to the Pantone Plus Color Bridge guides is huge! Just remember that there may not be a perfect match and that even if there was a “perfect” match by the fan guide or swatch book values, it is up to the printer to make the match. Probably easier for them to reference a printed uncoated sample when printing the coated work.

Stephen Marsh
Community Expert
Stephen MarshCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
June 11, 2017

At least you are going from uncoated to coated, so you have more chance of finding a “close” colour, they may never be perfect though unless the printer can create a custom mix or play with the anilox or print density to create a better “match”. Also if there is any lamination or other coating on the waterproof labels, then the appearance of the printed colour will change.

I would suggest that you purchase the Pantone Plus Color Bridge Set Coated/Uncoated fan guides:

Color Bridge Set Coated & Uncoated

You can then compare the uncoated to the coated colours to find the best match. This may NOT be the SAME number. This guide shows both spot and CMYK versions, however you would simply ignore the CMYK side and concentrate on the spots.

You can of course compare the Lab colour values in your Illustrator Swatches > Swatch Library > Color Books > PANTONE+ Solid Coated and PANTONE+ Solid Uncoated. You would need to first find the uncoated Lab colour value, then find a coated version that has the closest Lab values.

So, you may be able to find a close colour in the Coated library when compared to the Uncoated library, however you and your client will have a much better result if you talk with the print service provider and ensure that you are all on the same page and that you all have realistic expectations. Good luck!

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