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Pantone Colour Matching System

The Pantone Matching System is a formula guide of 1,114 pre-defined spot colours. The system is a universally accepted and recognised colour classification directory for print and other industries where colour control is a necessity.

At Minuteman Press in Bristol we rely on the Pantone system as a common colour language when communicating with clients. It allows colours chosen from the Pantone formula guide to be accurately reproduced by the designer and press operator. Pantone licensed inks are precisely weighed and the formula is mixed to the requirements set out in the guide. This guarantees exact matching of the Pantone colour chosen.

The guide is organised into colour groups beginning with basic and process colours; these are the most common and the inks are pre mixed. The range runs through the hues and tints of the colour groups ending with metallic and fluorescent variations. Each individual Pantone colour is identifiable by a code making it easy to locate and reference.

The guides come in two formats; solid coated and solid uncoated colours.  Both contain the same set of colours, the difference being whether the stock used is coated or uncoated. This changes how the colours look as the inks on an uncoated stock absorb light making them look slightly dull and the coated stock reflect light making them look more vibrant.

At Minuteman Press Bristol we realise the benefit of the Pantone system in design and print as it allows us to refer to specific colours with a client even when a consultation in person at the design studio is not possible. It is also the case when a client has a corporate logo designed with carefully selected Pantone colours as we can reproduce these exactly as required. In this sense colour control is the major factor, as we have full control over the colours we produce and full confidence that they will be consistent over a large print run.

When consulting clients on logo design we recommend selecting colours from the Pantone swatch guide. This allows the company to develop its corporate identity and branding and will guarantee uniformity and consistency in the printed materials used. 

The Pantone range is constantly evolving. Research is carried out to develop and test new formulas in order to update the Pantone palettes making the system diverse and relevant.  Pantone is owned by X-Rite Inc, whom supply and develop colour measurement instruments and software.

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