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Why do we ask for pantone numbers?

What is a Pantone (PMS) Number?

Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a standardized color reproduction system. There is a universal chart used by industry to physically see what a specific PMS number looks like. Using Pantone numbers is the more reliable method of communicating a color.

What is a 4 color process (CMYK) mix?

CMYK is a method of printing that uses a series of C(Cyan) M(Magenta), Y(Yellow) and K(Black) dots. The majority of image files are produced using CMYK mixes. When printing on different substrates such as nylon, polyester, vinyl, paper, different CMYK mixes will react differently on different substrates.

Screen Printing is a spot color print process. That means we mix the ink in the can and make sure it matches the Pantone chart and then apply it to the substrate.

Dye Sublimation is a 4 color process (CMYK) print process.

Why do we ask for Pantone numbers when the Dye Sublimation process is actual a 4 color process method?

The reason we ask for pantone numbers when we are printing
4 color process (CMYK) is because the variance that the 4 color process (CMYK) gives on different substrates. This makes the CMYK mix an unreliable way to communicate the color. So we ask for a pantone number so we can use our Pantone chart to make sure the color is printing on track even though we are printing 4 color process.

Confused?? Maybe this is more information that you wanted. If you have a concern about the color of your print, give us a call.

Learn more about the difference between Dye Sub and Screen Print Process