What are pantone colors and how to select the right ones for your custom t-shirt screen printing project.

Selecting Pantones for screen printing involves considering several factors to achieve the best possible results. Here's a breakdown of the key things to keep in mind:

Matching vs. Simulating:

• Ideal Scenario: If achieving an exact color match is crucial, choosing a Pantone color that has a readily available pre-mixed ink is ideal. Screen printing ink suppliers often offer pre-mixed inks specifically matched to Pantone colors.
• Simulation: If an exact match isn't necessary or a pre-mixed ink isn't available, you can simulate the Pantone color using a combination of base inks. However, this requires knowledge of color mixing and may not always achieve a perfect match.

Pantone Swatch Books:

• Solid Coated vs. Solid Uncoated: There are two main Pantone Swatch Book options: Solid Coated and Solid Uncoated.
  • Solid Coated: This is the most common choice for screen printing as it better represents the glossy finish of plastisol inks typically used on fabrics.
  • Solid Uncoated: This might be useful if you're printing on a non-glossy material, but keep in mind the final printed color may appear slightly different.

Matching Considerations:

• Material: The material you're printing on can affect the final color. Test prints on your chosen material are recommended to ensure the Pantone translates well to the final product.
• Opacity: Some Pantone colors are naturally more opaque than others. Consider whether you need a completely opaque print or if a slightly transparent effect is acceptable.
• Number of Colors: Screen printing typically uses a limited number of colors compared to digital printing. Complex Pantone colors might require multiple inks for simulation, increasing printing complexity and cost.

Here's a step-by-step approach to selecting Pantones for screen printing:

1. Define Your Needs: Do you need an exact color match, or is a close simulation acceptable?
2. Choose a Pantone Swatch Book: Select "Solid Coated" for fabrics or most screen printing applications.
3. Identify Potential Pantones: Find Pantones in the swatch book that visually match your desired color as closely as possible.
4. Check Ink Availability: Consult your screen printing ink supplier to see if they offer pre-mixed inks for the chosen Pantones.
5. Consider Simulation: If pre-mixed inks aren't available, explore simulating the color using a combination of base inks. Discuss this with your printer to determine feasibility and potential limitations.
6. Test Printing: Always do test prints on your chosen material with the selected Pantones (or simulated colors) to ensure the final result meets your expectations.

By following these steps and considering the factors mentioned above, you can select Pantones that will translate well to your screen printed project. Remember, communication with your screen printing partner is crucial to discuss color options, simulation possibilities, and testing procedures.