Using premixed ink swatches (such as the Pantone Matching System), a designer, client or printer is able to select the exact color tones desired in a particular logo. This is very similar to selecting swatches of premixed paint to go on your wall at home. Your printer will take the file, and output a metal plate for each color. These Spot color printing colors are referred to as Spot colors. The plates are applied to the press, inked up with the appropriate color, and then the paper is run though the press, with one impression for each color.

What comes out at the other side is your completed image. Your logo design can feature the 'appearance' of more colors by adding screens and tones of a particular Spot Color. If handled correctly, this should not be a concern - it will not increase the reproduction costs of your logo, while giving the appearance of more colors than we're actually using. Spot color reproduction is generally more economical than Four color Process printing which requires four sets of plates, film and usually a larger press. Spot color reproduction is also more accurate in terms of color matching as the color values are absolute.

Pantone Matching System (PMS)
Logos in a Box uses the Pantone Matching System (PMS), a universal color matching system that allows designers and printers to match colors accurately regardless of the printing job required. Using this method of color matching allows you or your designer to select colors for your logo using a series of pre-mixed ink color swatches (similar to paint chips at the local hardware store) using Pantone numbers (usually referred to as 3 or 4 digit number along with the PMS nomenclature ie: PMS 366). Pantone colors also have different types as colors react differently on different printing surfaces. Any Pantone number followed by a C indicates that this color can only be matched by printing on a 'Coated' (glossy) surface. A Pantone number followed by a 'U' refers to an 'Uncoated' or matte surface. By using PMS colors in a logo, you can be assured that colors are uniform throughout all applications. These colors are referred to as Spot colors and are also an economical way of reproducing business material such as business cards and letterheads. Pantone color swatches are usually available at your local print shop.