Keeping Brand Colours Consistent in Print
by Unsignedco
Colour consistency is one of the most common concerns in signage and large format print. A logo may look one way on a screen, another way on vinyl and slightly different again on acrylic, foamex, dibond or banner material.
This does not mean colour control is impossible. It means the artwork, material and proofing process need to be handled carefully, especially when brand recognition is important.
Screens Are Not Print
Screens use light to display colour, while print uses ink or material finishes. Brightness, device settings and screen calibration can make colours appear more vivid than they will in print.
This is why choosing a colour from a phone or laptop screen can be misleading. Print decisions should be based on proper artwork files and, where needed, samples or proofs.
Supply The Best Brand Files
Vector logos, brand guidelines and colour references help the print team get closer to the intended result. If your brand has Pantone, CMYK, RGB or HEX values, send them with the artwork.
Even when exact matching is not possible across every material, good files give the production team a clearer target.
Material Affects Colour
The same artwork can look different on matte vinyl, gloss vinyl, acrylic, banner PVC, foamex or aluminium composite. Surface texture, reflectivity and lighting all influence the final appearance.
If multiple signs are being produced for one brand, it is worth discussing how the materials will sit together visually.
Use Proofing To Set Expectations
Proofing helps confirm layout, artwork quality and colour expectations before production. For critical colours, extra checks may be needed before a full run is produced.
How The Unsigned Co Can Help
The Unsigned Co can review artwork, advise on print materials and discuss colour expectations before production. Our goal is to keep signage and large format print looking consistent with the brand wherever possible.
