Standard Ink Color Chart and Custom/PMS Color Matches

For items #40012, #40031, #40033, #40035, #40037

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.

Color accuracy. Keep in mind that display of these or any other colors on computer screens is approximate only. This is due to the differences between how monitors display color from one to the next, which can vary significantly. If you need to match a specific or preexisting color, it’s very important due to such monitor differences not to rely on computer screens for color accuracy. For color-matching, printers use the Pantone Matching System (PMS). This system utilizes physically printed color swatch books produced under highly controlled conditions and distributed/ sold to the printing industry centrally by the Pantone corporation to ensure absolute color consistency. PMS colors as viewed in physically printed Pantone swatchbooks, referred to by their PMS number, ensure everyone looking at a Pantone swatchbook is seeing the exact same colors when making color selections.

Pantone/PMS color match available at no additional charge. If you need more exact color, we can match any Pantone Matching System color. In lieu of a Pantone swatch number, you can send a physical item by postal mail for us to match as well. Do understand, though, that screen-printing inks use different pigment types than regular commercial printing inks on which the Pantone system is based, so Pantone matches in screen-printing are often less exact and perfect matches are not guaranteed. See important comments in this regard on our color accuracy page and the related discussion on our FAQ page.

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.

Black

White

Purple

Violet

Navy Blue

Dark Denim Blue