Design Tutorial: How to Use a Pantone Guide for Successful Printing

Learn how to use a Pantone guide to prepare your project for printing with these practical tips by Kris Osorio, director and founder of the Betún de Mantequilla printshop

The Pantone guide is one of the most important tools in printing, because it helps you ensure that the colors of your designs work perfectly on the materials you have chosen to bring your ideas to life.

In this tutorial, director and founder of the Betún de Mantequilla [buttercream] printshop Kris Osorio (@betundemantequilla), teaches you her practical tips to make sure you get the most out of the Pantone guide.

Discover her advice in the video!

Essential tips on how to use a Pantone guide for successful printing

1. How to find your way around the guide

One of the first things you need to know is how to find the core shades. The first 5 pages of the Pantone guide contain the basic colors out of which almost all others colors are born:

- Core colors
- Pastels
- Neons
- Metallics

If, for any reason, you have trouble finding the tone you’re looking for, refer to the index at the end of the guide. It lists the Pantone color code alongside the page number and row where you can find it.

2. When the color isn’t quite right

Sometimes, even when the printer mixes the right percentages to create your ink, the color doesn’t quite match what you were looking for. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s a good idea to ask your printer to mix the shades gradually until you obtain an exact visual match.

It’s also useful to take a sample of the paper you want to use with you to the printshop when you want to print your design onto colored paper. This will allow them to match your colors manually. And guarantees that your results will match your desired color.

3. The best location to use your guide

Always use your Pantone guide in places with plenty of natural light. Avoid bright, midday light and settings with artificial lighting. This will ensure your guide serves its purpose as the best visual guide for your printed projects.

If you loved this tutorial and want to learn more about manual printing techniques, selecting materials and choosing your final finishes, then don’t miss the online course: Introduction to Handmade Printing of Corporate Stationery by Kris Osorio, director and founder of the Betún de Mantequilla printshop.

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