Why Your Screen Colours Don’t Match Print: The Secret to Perfect Colour Matching in Signage
The Secret to Perfect Colour Matching in Signage
At Butler, we take immense pride in delivering exceptional signage solutions. One of the most common questions we receive from our clients is why the colours they see on their screens don’t always match the printed colours of their signage. This guide aims to clarify this issue and explain the importance of using physical colour references, such as Pantone, in ensuring colour consistency.
Why Screen Colors and Print Colors Differ
Screen Colours
Colours on screens are created using a combination of red, green, and blue (RGB) light. Each screen can display colours slightly differently based on its settings, quality, and age. Additionally, ambient lighting and screen calibration can further affect how colours appear on a digital display.
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Print Colours
Printed colours, on the other hand, are produced using a combination of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK) inks. The process of mixing these inks can lead to variations in the final colour output. Different printers, materials, and even environmental factors like humidity can influence the printed colour.
The Role of Physical Colour References
To bridge the gap between digital designs and printed output, we use the Pantone Color System. Pantone provides a standardised colour reference that ensures everyone involved in the design and production process can refer to the same precise colour. By using physical Pantone colour swatches, we can accurately match the desired colour in the final printed product, regardless of the screen variations.
Benefits of Pantone:
Consistency: Ensures the same colour is used across different materials and printers.
Reliability: Provides a trusted and universally recognized colour standard.
Accuracy: Allows for precise colour matching and reduces guesswork.
Butler’s Advanced Color Matching Technology
At Butler, we have invested in advanced technology to enhance our colour matching capabilities. Our GMG colour server allows us to match Pantone colours accurately across all our printers and materials.
This sophisticated system manages colour profiles and ensures that the colours we print are as close to the Pantone reference as possible.
How It Works
Colour Profiling: The GMG colour server creates detailed colour profiles for each printer and material.
Colour Management: It adjusts the colour output to match the Pantone reference, taking into account the specific characteristics of each printer and substrate.
Quality Control: Ensures consistency and accuracy across different print runs and materials.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between screen colours and print colours is crucial for achieving the desired outcome in your signage projects. By using physical colour references like Pantone and leveraging our advanced GMG colour server, Butler ensures that your brand colours are reproduced accurately and consistently across all your signage.
Contact us today if you have any questions or need further clarification, our experienced team is always here to help. We are committed to providing you with the highest quality signage solutions, with unrivalled customer service as our standard.
