Color Reproduction & Matching
All printers and ink combinations have a finite number of individual colors they can reproduce. This is known as the color gamut. Digital printing can produce more colors (a larger gamut) than most analog printing processes (like offset printing). There is still a limit as not all colors designed into a file will be able to be reproduced.
If you are using a Pantone color, our RIP software will only recognize it if it's named exactly "Pantone 202 C". For instance, "Pantone202C" will not work.
If the color specified in a vector file is a Pantone Matching System (PMS) spot color our RIP software color management system will interpret the color based upon the profile(s) and reproduce the color as close as possible. If the file does not specify the colors as spot colors, but instead as CMYK values then the files are printed "as is" and the printed colors are more likely to shift from expected results.
When there is a color in the file considered critical that must be reproduced to a specific standard, our printing technicians can attempt to achieve the color if a spot color is specified in your file or a color swatch is provided. This may result in a $75.00 color matching fee.
Slight color variations should be considered acceptable and will be defined by a delta E reading of plus or minus three to five. Because printers and conditions change over time, new printers replace old ones, and prints fade, if the same file is ordered again in the future, it is likely the print will not match exactly. There should be no expectation that a file will have no discernible visual difference when purchased multiple times over the space of months or years.
In the event a printed sample is desired, an order may be placed at the standard square foot price.
RGB vs CMYK vs PMS?
Input Profiles Files may be supplied in either RGB or CMYK and should have an input ICC profile embedded to ensure accurate color management.
If an ICC input profile is not assigned sRGB or Coated GRACol 2006 will be assigned by Gregory, Inc.
Color Matching - We can do that!
When a color in the file is considered critical and must be reproduced to a specific standard, our printing technicians can attempt to achieve the color specified and should be named as a custom spot color in your file. You may experience additional charges to achieve the color as close as the gamut of the ink and printer allow.
Contact Us for more information!
