How do I find my Pantone colors?

By going to the Pantone website, you'll be able to color pick different Pantone colors. Most brands have a specific list of Pantones they use, but if you're just starting or simply aren't a brand, going to the color picker on the Pantone site will help you narrow down what colors you need. There are hundreds to choose from. You can even convert RGB or CMYK colors over to see what Pantone colors match best.

Why can't I use RGB colors?

RGB stands for Red, Green, and Blue and is the color mode used for digital mediums such as computers, cellphones, tvs, etc. Since these colors are produced via lights, they are going to be brighter and more vibrant than printed materials. Colors on your screen will allows appear different once printed. Especially since printers use CMYK color modes (this stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black). Since we print in CMYK color code, if you provide files in RGB, they will appear flatter/duller once printed.

What are Pantone Colors? | Custom

Q: What are Pantone colors?

Pantone colors are a universal standard for colors across all companies. The idea behind Pantone colors is to better color match throughout different mediums, regardless of the machines used to print. At Feather Flag Nation, we use Solid Coated Pantone colors. If you provide us with your Pantone colors, you'll have a higher chance of your flags colors better matching your brand.

Q: What is the difference between coated and uncoated Pantone colors?

There are different materials you can print off of, and each material will either be coated or uncoated. At Feather Flag Nation, our polyester custom flags do have a coating to them, which means we use the Solid Coated Pantone colors. Coated printing tends to last longer as the coating on top of the material allows for additional protection. The colors will appear different as the way the ink settles on the material as uncoated materials tend to print duller than coated material. When choosing your Pantone colors, make sure there is a 'C' after the numbers. For example, '100C' would be a bright yellow coated Pantone color.

What are Pantone Colors and Why Do We Need Them?

In short, Pantone colors are a standard language for colors. They are used by a variety of companies to help color match. Pantone colors are used worldwide, and customers have the option of coated vs. uncoated Pantone. If you want consistency with your brand, using Pantones will help that effort. It helps ensure everything you have – from clothes, business cards, flags, vinyl banners, and more – all match in color no matter the material. While absolute color matching is never guaranteed, using Pantone colors will get you as close as possible.

The Pantone Matching System was founded in 1956. It was founded by brothers Morris and Jesse Levine. They hired Lawrence Herbert, who used his chemistry knowledge to simplify the stock of pigments and production of colored inks. By consolidating the printing company’s stock of colors, they were able to then sell their first set of color swatches. The idea behind what Pantone colors are is that they allow designers to “color match” specific colors regardless of the machines used to print.

How do I Find Pantone Colors?

Wondering what Pantone colors are available? The Pantone website will provide you with all of their color varieties. For our flags, we use solid-coated Pantone colors. Once you’ve compared Pantone coated vs. uncoated and find a color you like, you can send it to us, and we will be able to match it as closely as possible. At Feather Flag Nation, we prefer Pantone colors to help you get the exact flag you are looking for. If you are unsure of what Pantone color you’d like, you can always send us the CMYK color instead.

If you aren’t sure what colors you’d like to use, you can order some of our free swatches! You can pick up to 10 colors. We will print and wash them as we would the flag, giving you the best possible match. You just have to cover shipping. Use this link to order your swatches!

What is the Difference Between Coated and Uncoated Pantone Colors?

At Feather Flag Nation, we use solid-coated Pantone colors. There are coated vs. uncoated Pantone colors available, so what’s the difference and why do we need them? The kind of color you pick should directly reflect what you plan to print. With coated materials, the ink will sit on top of the fabric, while with uncoated materials, the ink will sink into it.

Our polyester flags have a coating on them. This means that the ink won’t sink into the fabric, causing it to spread. Because of this, we need our clients to provide us with the solid-coated Pantones. Having the coating on top will help your flag’s ink last longer, and the colors won’t bleed into each other.

Why Can't I use RGB or CMYK Colors?

When it comes to print, Pantone colors will be your ideal match. But what are Pantone color alternatives? If you don’t have the Pantone colors, CMYK colors are the next best thing. CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. These are the four colors used in every printer. They are mixed together to make up all the other colors. Since Pantones are universal, they will match better than CMYK. CMYK colors will vary depending on the printer being used.

CMYK colors will work instead of Pantones, but RGB colors will not. RGB colors are strictly meant for digital screens. Your phone, computer, and TV all use RGB colors. RGB stands for Red, Green, and Blue. These colors reflect the light used by your monitors. Because these are lights, that gives them their bright and neon look. RGB colors cannot be used for print. If you send us RGB files, we will convert them to CMYK, which means they may lose some of their brightness.

Here is a side-by-side example of color as CMYK vs RGB:

How Will My Custom Flag Look When Printed?

The proof we provide for you will not directly reflect how the flag will print. Since the screen uses lights to show colors, our colors will print 10-15% lighter. The lighting will also affect how the flag appears. If the sun is in front of your custom feather flag, it will appear brighter with more vivid colors. If the sun is behind your flag, it will appear darker. The overall color will be different than the proof. We do not provide free reprints or refunds due to color variation.

Get Started on Your Custom Flag Now!

Now that you have a better idea of what Pantone colors are, understand how to use them, and have compared coated vs. uncoated Pantone, go ahead and send in your free design request. You can use the Pantone site to pick any colors you would like to use. Send in your design request along with logos, images, or whatever else you need to make the perfect flag. You will hear back from our designers within the same business day (as long as the request is sent during office hours). You can email directly with them to design your flag to perfection!

Still have questions about what Pantone colors are? Contact us! Send us an email at sales@featherflagnation.com or give us a call at 1 (877) 900-5692. We are open M-F from 8am-4:30pm PST.

Due to printer variations and outdoor conditions, we do not guarantee any color matching. Providing Pantone colors is the best way to get the closest color possible to what you need. No reprints or refunds are offered based on color variances.

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What are the Pantone Colors?