Pantone Colors Can Differ Between Guides
Pantone color guides are used worldwide to standardize color across design and print. But did you know that the same Pantone code can appear slightly different depending on the guide you use? Color variations between guides are more common than you might think—and they can lead to mismatches in print.
This article explains why these differences happen, what to watch out for, and how we help ensure accurate color matching in your projects.
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Your Pantone Guide May Not Match Your Printer’s
It's not uncommon for customers and printing companies to have Pantone color guides that show slightly different shades—even when the Pantone number is exactly the same.
At our company, we match and print colors precisely according to our Pantone guide. Yet occasionally, clients tell us that the final color looks “a bit off” when they receive the printed product.
The reason? The color chips in your Pantone guide may differ subtly from ours, even if the code is identical.
Same number, different color—it’s a puzzling reality, even for us. But since it can happen, it's important to have a plan.
The image above shows two Pantone color guides placed side by side.
Even though both display the same code—7457 C—the chip on the right appears slightly more green compared to the one on the left. The next color, 7458 C, also shows a noticeable difference in blue intensity.
For some, this level of variation is acceptable. But for designers or brands with strict color standards, even small differences like these may not be tolerable.
In other words, simply specifying a Pantone number doesn't always guarantee the exact color you intended.
Why Pantone Colors Vary Across Different Guides
- Formula Updates
Pantone may revise the ink formulas for the same color code due to changes in pigment availability or environmental regulations. - Differences Between Print Batches
Each time Pantone prints a new batch of guides, slight color variations can occur, even for the same swatch. - Update Frequency and Cost
Pantone recommends updating your color guides every two years. However, since a full set can cost hundreds of dollars, many users continue using older versions.
As you can see from the formula examples above, even the same Pantone color code can have different ink compositions.
When the formulas themselves differ, it's no surprise that the printed colors turn out differently.
It may seem concerning that such inconsistencies exist—even from a global company responsible for color standardization.
However, it appears that Pantone has no choice but to revise formulas due to shifts in raw material availability.
Two Options We Offer
1. Match Colors Using Our Pantone Guide
Advantages:
- No need to ship your own color guide
Color Accuracy: - We match the color exactly to our in-house Pantone guide
Important Note: - We cannot accept claims if there is a color difference between your guide and ours.
2. Match Colors Using Your Pantone Guide
Disadvantages:
- You’ll need to ship your color guide to us
Color Accuracy: - We match the color exactly to the guide you provide
Important Note: - Shipping costs for the guide are the customer’s responsibility.
How Knowing Pantone Guide Differences Helps Ensure Accurate Colors
Even when using the same Pantone number, color appearance and ink formulas can vary depending on the edition or print batch of the color guide.
For products or designs where color precision is critical, these differences between guides can often lead to unexpected issues.
At our company, we offer two options: printing based on our Pantone guide or printing based on the guide you provide.
If you're concerned about color accuracy, we encourage you to reach out to us in advance.
As specialists in spot color printing, we’re committed to helping you achieve results you’ll be happy with.
Feel free to contact us for support or consultation.
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