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I am wanting to get a design printed on cotton laminate. Is it possible to get non-pantone colours printed? Everyone I've spoken to so far says yes but then says maybe not. I can't get a straight answer. You help would be much appreciated!

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What kind of non-pantone colour? Just a straight CMYK mix? – e100 Mar 17 '12 at 19:30
Who are you speaking to? If you're asking print providers they should have a definitive answer. – Scott Mar 17 '12 at 20:45

2 Answers

If you choose another colour system

You'll have to speak to your printer about which colours they accept. They may even match to a physical object, paint sample or something else. It's worth noting that in a situation like that, they're probably just going to pull out a Pantone book and match as closely as they can to your sample.

If you choose to use a Pantone colour

Most screen printers will match as closely as possible to a Pantone spot colour if you give them a PMS number. Your printer will be able to give you the best advice though. Please also note that there's quite a few different Pantone colour sets with different uses and intentions.

One of the most common Pantone systems is Pantone Solid Coated & Solid Uncoated systems.

Please also note that different printing methods yield different results. You really will have to talk to whoever's handling the print job for you. If you have a PMS swatch or book with the tear-off blocks, it can be a great idea to show the printer, just to make absolutely sure they match things as well as possible.

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He's specifically asking about colors that are NOT in the Pantone books. Your data is good, though, and +1 for "talk to whoever's handling the print job for you." In the end, that is the only person whose answer counts. – Alan Gilbertson Mar 18 '12 at 20:03
Good point. Fixed and added detail. – Marc Edwards Mar 20 '12 at 0:21

Printers can print in any color they want. Pantone is merely one particular (and nearly universal) standard for picking said colors. If you pick a PMS color, every printer on the planet will know which color you are talking about.

But they can certainly print in any color you want--but the catch will be how are they going to match the color you want? For a small-ish print job, your best bet would be to show up for a press check. Have them mix the inks with you so you can adjust as desired.

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