Quick guide to choosing the right colors for your promotional items
At Créapub, we often talk about PMS colors with our clients. But what does that actually mean? And why is it important when ordering promotional items or clothing?
Here’s a short guide to help you understand it all!
What is a PMS color?
PMS stands for Pantone Matching System, a universal color coding system. In other words, each color has a unique code (e.g.: PMS 186C for a bright red), which allows the same shade to be reproduced consistently, no matter the supplier, printer, or country.
It’s kind of like a recipe: you follow the exact same ingredients, so you always get the same result!
Why is it important for promotional items?
When you invest in promotional products or apparel, you want your logo and brand colors to be consistent—whether it’s on a t-shirt, a water bottle, or a pen.
If you just say “dark blue” when printing, the result can vary from one product to another. With a PMS code, you avoid any surprises: the color is accurate, consistent, and professional.
PMS vs CMYK vs RGB: what’s the difference?
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Color type | Main use | Color accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| PMS | Offset printing, screen printing, pad printing | 🎯 Very accurate |
| CMYK | Four-color printing (documents, catalogs) | Less accurate |
| RGB | Screen display (web, social media) | Digital use |
So, if you’re printing your logo on items, PMS is your best ally for perfect consistency.
How to choose your PMS color?
At Créapub, we can help! Whether you already have a brand guide or you’re starting from scratch, we can identify the PMS codes that match your brand colors and use them for all your custom products.
In summary
✅ The PMS system ensures your colors stay true to your brand
✅ It’s essential for a professional look on all your promotional items
✅ The Créapub team is here to guide you in your choices
Have questions or want to check your current colors? Write to us—we love chatting about branding and colors! [email protected] 418-628-4277