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C
cjarkie
Participant
June 9, 2017
Answered

Matching PMS colors on Coated and Uncoated paper

  • June 9, 2017
  • 2 replies
  • 8530 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.

J
jdanek
Inspiring
June 14, 2017

Take a look at the link to the Pantone site mentioned in my post #1.

The most versatile tool for graphic and digital designers, Color Bridge Set provides a side-by-side visual comparison of Pantone spot colors verses their closest CMYK process printing match on coated and uncoated paper.

The printed Color Bridge fan book guides are both Spot and CMYK builds.

EDIT: Here is a quick photo from my guides…

Which should NOT be confused with the digital versions of Color Bridge in Adobe apps, which are CMYK only!

Use the Pantone Plus Solid Coated and Uncoated swatch files to compare Lab colour values.


I apologize.  You are correct, Stephen.  I was thinking about the Solid Color Guides.  The more I think about it, the more I am inclined to think the solution may be a custom formulated spot color and it does not necessarily have to be Pantone.

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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