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Color printing guide

CMYK and Pantone Packaging Printing

Use this guide to decide whether process color, spot color, or a combined print plan fits the packaging artwork. Color review should include substrate, lamination, proof expectations, and repeat-order tolerance.

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What it is

CMYK is process printing for multi-color images and broad artwork. Pantone or spot color review is used when a specific brand color needs tighter control.

When to use it

  • CMYK for photography, gradients, illustrations, and varied retail artwork.
  • Pantone review for brand colors, solid logo areas, and repeat-order color expectations.
  • Combined CMYK plus spot color plans when images and brand colors both matter.

When not to use it

  • Expecting exact color across different papers, laminations, and print methods without proofing.
  • Using CMYK for a strict brand color when a spot-color proof is required.
  • Choosing Pantone for every color when the artwork is mostly photographic.

Compatibility notes

  • Paper shade, kraft surface, coated paper, matte/gloss lamination, varnish, and heavy ink coverage all affect final color.
  • Works across cartons, rigid boxes, mailers, bags, tubes, labels, and sleeves.
  • Needs artwork files with clear color mode, linked assets, fonts, and finish layers.

Quote and sample inputs

  • Artwork file color mode
  • Brand color references or Pantone targets
  • Paper/board and lamination direction
  • Proof type and repeat-order tolerance

Production risks to review

  • Color shifts after lamination or varnish.
  • Large solid areas can show variation more than small artwork details.
  • Small text, barcodes, and gradients need file and proof review.

Related decision paths

Use these pages when this topic is only one part of the material, finish, structure, or quote decision.

Material and finishKraft Paper PackagingOpen the related review pathComparisonMatte Vs Gloss LaminationOpen the related review pathMaterial and finishPantone Printed CartonsOpen the related review pathMaterial and finishCMYK Gradient BoxesOpen the related review path

What this finish changes

  • CMYK supports image-heavy and multi-color artwork
  • Pantone supports specified brand colors when spot color review is needed
  • Lamination, paper shade, and ink coverage can change the final color read

Quote details to confirm

  • Artwork file color mode and brand color references
  • Paper or board selection
  • Proof type required before production approval

Sample checks

  • Color shift after lamination or varnish
  • Large solid color consistency
  • Small text and barcode clarity

Applicable product families

Mailer Boxes6 featured examplesRigid Boxes5 featured examplesMagnetic Boxes3 featured examplesDrawer Boxes1 featured examplesPaper Bags1 featured examples

Featured starting points

Open related product pages to review images, structure notes, and quote inputs. These are representative entries, not the full catalog.