Plastic Colouring Basics : CMYK and Pantone for plastic - Finding the right colour -

Here's a detailed explanation of CMYK and Pantone for plastics:

CMYK Values:

What is CMYK:

• C = Cyan (Blue)
• M = Magenta (Red)
• Y = Yellow
• K = Black
• Values are expressed as percentages (0-100%)

CMYK in Plastics:

• Used mainly for printed colors
• Limited use in actual coloring
• Helpful for initial color communication
• Not directly translatable to pigments
• Serves as reference point

Pigments are solid, insoluble colorants used to give color to plastics and other materials. Here's a quick breakdown. They can be organic (Carbon-based, brighter colors, less heat stable), inorganic (mineral-based, more durable, better heat stability). 
Pigments are used for coloring plastics, UV protection, opacity control, special effects and color coding

Limitations for Plastics:

• CMYK is for printing
• Can't directly use in plastics
• Need conversion to pigment systems
• Color gamut limitations
• Different appearance in plastic

Here are simple examples of CMYK colors commonly used in plastics:

Standard Color Examples:

• Bright Red:     C: 0%,  M: 100%,  Y: 100%,  K: 0%
• Deep Blue:      C: 100%,  M: 60%,  Y: 0%,  K: 20%
• Forest Green: C: 80%,  M: 0%,  Y: 100%,  K: 30%
• Purple:            C: 30%,  M: 100%,  Y: 0%,  K: 0%
• Orange:           C: 0%,  M: 50%,  Y: 100%,  K: 0%

Important Note: CMYK is primarily a printing system, not a plastic coloring system. However, it's often used as a reference point.

Real world translation example:

Customer wants a blue container and provides CMYK values:

• C:   100% 
• M:  60% 
• Y:   0% 
• K:   20%

This needs to be translated to:

• Proper blue pigments
• White pigment (if needed)
• Black pigment (if needed)
• Consideration of plastic base color
• Processing effects on color

Limitations:

• Not all CMYK colors achievable in plastic
• CMYK values need conversion for plastic coloring
• Colors look different in plastic vs. print
• Material type affects final appearance
• Need to consider processing conditions

Best Practice: 

Always use physical color standards along with CMYK values for accurate color matching in plastics.

Pantone References:

What is Pantone:

• Standard color matching system
• Universal color language
• Numbered color references
• Includes formulations
• Industry standard system

Pantone in Plastics: 

Specific Systems:

• PMS (Pantone Matching System)
• Pantone Plastic Standards
• Digital color references
• Physical color chips
• Formula guides

Using Pantone: 

Advantages:

• Universal communication
• Consistent reference
• Available physical samples
• Digital values provided
• Industry accepted

Limitations:

• Not all colors possible in plastic
• Material differences affect color
• Process variations impact result
• Cost considerations
• Technical feasibility

Here are simple examples of Pantone colors commonly used in plastics with real-world applications:

Common Consumer Products Examples:

• Coca-Cola Red:            Pantone 484 C
• Home Depot Orange: Pantone 165 C
• UPS Brown:                  Pantone 476 C

Plastic Product Examples:

• Storage containers: Pantone 7455 C (bright blue)
• Garden tools:           Pantone 368 C (lime green)
• Children's toys:       Pantone 1788 C (bright red)
• Kitchen utensils:     Pantone 7549 C (yellow)
• Laundry baskets:    Pantone 2725 C (purple)

Important Notes:

• Same Pantone can look different in different plastics
• Materials affect final color appearance
• Clear plastics vs. opaque
• Glossy vs. matte finish
• Thick vs. thin parts
• Not all Pantone colors achievable in plastic

Need to consider:

• Material type
• Processing temperature
• Cost constraints
• End-use requirements

Practical Application:

Color Matching Process:

• Select Pantone reference
• Check feasibility
• Consider material
• Test formulation
• Verify match
• Document results

Important Notes:

• Always check physical samples
• Consider end-use requirements
• Verify in different lights
• Account for material effects
• Consider cost implications