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For
Spot-Color Screen-Printing
Standard
Ink Color Chart and Custom/PMS Color Matches
For spot-color, screen-printed plates, unless
you request otherwise, we’ll automatically create and print your
plates using one or more of the standard colors in the chart below.
See important comments below the color chart on this page about color
accuracy and
“pleasing color” vs. exact color.
Pantone/PMS color matches. If you request, we can
also match any Pantone Matching System (PMS) color. In
lieu of a Pantone swatch number, you can send a physical item by postal
mail for us to match as well. Depending on the plate type, there
may or may not be an extra charge — for that, see individual
product pages.
The swatches
below are labeled with both the common color name (above the
swatch) we’ve assigned, as well as the equivalent Pantone/
PMS swatch name or number (below the swatch). Also
note that the Pantone names/
numbers here correspond to the “coated”/
glossy-finish version of the Pantone swatches, as opposed to
the “uncoated”/ matte-finish version.
Color swatches
shown are approximate only, due to differences between computer monitors,
which can and do vary significantly.
See important comments about color accuracy
immediately below the color swatch chart on this page.
Additional note: Swatch brightness (darkness vs.
lightness of hue) for the chart on this page is geared for Windows
computer systems and will appear lighter on Macintosh. View the
Macintosh color swatches here.
What
to expect about how colors
will appear on your license plates
How closely will the colors shown
here match those on your printed license plates? Since computer
monitors can and do vary significantly from one to the next in their
depiction of color, the colors here will match actual ink colors only
approximately. In labeling the color swatches above, we have tried in
the majority of cases to use color names that are commonly understood
to mean certain colors and hues that just about everyone should be familiar
with. The explanatory text below some of the swatches should also help
better describe the color where needed. Use whatever you may be seeing
on your computer screen as a rough guide, but trust the color name and/or
description more.
For example, most people know that forest green is
a dark green that looks more like the color of pine trees, while kelly
green is a regular middle-of-the-road green more like the color of vivid
green grass. However, a given monitor may display forest green closely,
while at the same time kelly green could appear shifted toward blue
more than it really is. Navy blue which is very dark might look lighter
than it actually is. Pantone Warm Red may look somewhat melon-colored
instead of its actual orange-red hue. Or scarlet red may appear
color-shifted toward brown or russet somewhat, and so on.
“Pleasing color” vs. exact color. Screen-printing
inks are vivid and give good “pleasing color.” This is what
matters to most people, so take that into account with respect to the
above comments about color variation between computer monitors. Remember,
too, that a common color name may also mean a slightly different color
to one person than it does to another. As long as the color is pleasing
or “in the ballpark,” however, most license plates are not
so color-critical that variations in color expectation matter to most
customers. If you do need exact color, supplying a Pantone/
PMS number or sending us a physical item with the color to match
is essential and required.
The only guarantee of a close color match (as any printer will
tell you) is to furnish either a physical item or a PMS number selected
from a physically printed Pantone swatch book. Viewing a PMS
color on a computer monitor — even in professional publishing
applications like Photoshop, Illustrator, FreeHand, CorelDraw, Quark,
PageMaker, InDesign, etc. — isn’t the same. If you
aren’t conversant with the Pantone system or don’t have
access to a swatch book (try your local quick-print shop), we can furnish
an inkjet proof as a substitute if you have serious concerns. While
still not a guarantee of color (inkjet inks are different than actual
screen-printing inks) it will be more accurate than relying on computer
monitors, and of some help.
Metallic
silver, gold, and copper appearance
True metallic look but not glittery/sparkly.
The simulated metallic silver, gold, and copper swatches above are rough
approximations only, just a guideline as to the hue. For those unfamiliar,
metallic inks have a true metallic look or sheen, with a finish that’s
slightly textured or granular in effect. (Not overtly glittery or sparkly,
though — that is, no visible flakes.) Metallic colors are formulated
using fine powders mixed with the ink itself. For obvious cost reasons,
in the printing industry metallic gold and copper are mixed using a
bronze powder, and metallic silver with an aluminum powder, with the
metallic effect less pronounced for silver than for gold or copper.
Metallic appearance best within a short distance.
Keep in mind the metallic appearance is mostly noticeable within a distance
of, say, 20–30 feet or less from the license plate, less so farther
away. Silver for instance will look more like gray from a distance,
with metallic gold and copper’s effect holding up for a somewhat
longer distance before it begins appearing more like a regular color
without much metallic appearance. (Yellow-brown for gold, and brown
for copper.) Metallic inks do add a look of refinement or elegance —
just remember the effect is best the closer you get to the tag.
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