Have you ever noticed that your brand’s colours look different in print compared to how they appear on your screen? This inconsistency can be frustrating, especially when brand identity relies on precise colour representation. Colour accuracy in print is a critical aspect of branding, marketing, and packaging.

Inaccurate colours can dilute your brand’s visual identity, making your materials look unprofessional or inconsistent. Whether you’re printing brochures, business cards, or product packaging, understanding why colour discrepancies occur can help you achieve better results. 

Let’s explore the reasons behind these inconsistencies and how you can ensure your printed colours match your brand’s identity.

What is Colour Accuracy in Print?

Colour accuracy in print refers to how closely printed colours match their intended design. The goal is to ensure that what you see on your digital screen translates accurately to physical prints. However, several factors influence this process, from different printing techniques to materials and lighting conditions.

For businesses, achieving print colour consistency is essential. A brand’s colours create recognition and trust among consumers. If your marketing materials, product packaging, and advertisements vary in colour, it could confuse your audience and weaken brand recognition.

Why Colours Look Different in Print vs. Digital?

One of the most common reasons colours appear differently in print is the difference in colour models. Digital screens use the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) model, which produces colours using light. Printers, on the other hand, use CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) inks to create colour through pigment mixing.

This fundamental difference means that what you see on your screen may not be exactly what gets printed. Bright and neon colours, in particular, often appear duller in print due to CMYK’s limited colour range compared to RGB.

Understanding Colour Models: RGB vs. CMYK

RGB (Red, Green, Blue) – Digital Colour Model

• Used in screens, digital devices, and web design.
• Creates colours by adding light.
• Can produce a wider and more vibrant range of colours.

CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) – Print Colour Model

• Used in ink-based printing.
• Creates colours by subtracting light.
• Has a more limited colour range compared to RGB.

When converting RGB designs to CMYK for printing, some colours may shift. This is why designers use colour proofing before finalizing print designs.

The Impact of Paper Type on Colour Accuracy

The type of paper used in printing affects how colours appear. Some common paper types and their impact on colours include:

Choosing the right paper type is crucial for ensuring colour consistency, especially for marketing materials and packaging.

The Role of Lighting in Colour Perception

Lighting plays a huge role in how colours are perceived. Ever noticed how colours look different under daylight, fluorescent light, or LED bulbs? This is due to different colour temperatures.

• Daylight (5000K-6500K) – Provides the most accurate colour perception.
• Fluorescent Light (2700K-5000K) – Can make colours appear cooler or washed out.
• LED Lighting – This varies widely, depending on the bulb type.

When proofing colours, always view them under standardized lighting conditions to ensure accuracy.

Why Pantone Colours Matter for Brand Consistency

The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a universal colour standard used in printing. Unlike CMYK, which mixes inks to create colours, Pantone colours are pre-mixed, ensuring exact colour reproduction across different materials.

Using Pantone colours can:

✔ Ensure consistent branding across multiple prints.

✔ Prevent unwanted colour variations.

✔ Make reprints more accurate, even with different printers.

Many brands rely on Pantone colours to maintain their corporate identity, especially for logos and product packaging.

Ensuring colour accuracy in print is essential for maintaining brand consistency and professionalism. By understanding colour models, paper types, lighting conditions, and printing techniques, you can minimize discrepancies and achieve more accurate results.

Whether you’re working with a professional printer or handling print jobs in-house, investing time in colour-proofing and calibration will save you from costly reprints and brand inconsistencies.

If you’re looking for high-quality, colour-accurate printing solutions, SpeedPro Niagara can help!