Occasionally, we are asked if we can match Pantone® colors. First of all, what is a Pantone color? A Pantone color is a set color guide created by Pantone LLC. It sets a color matching standard of colors and the various primary colors that make up that color. Simple enough but here’s the rub, it started out as standardized colors used in printing inks and has expanded to fabric, household items, and plastic colors. Mixing dyes to create color is done on the subtractive color system (primaries are red, yellow, blue and when they are mixed equally create black) as opposed to additive color mixing (red, blue, green and when they are mixed create white) which is what we use in lighting colors and some LED fixtures. Occasionally an event designer or wedding planner will have the client choose a color theme to an event based on the Pantone Color Matching System. When asked if they can match a Pantone color, some lighting companies say that it is a completely different color system and will not do it. At Apollo, we actually have visual matches for our Apollo Color filters and Pantone colors listed on our website .
We can also match many Pantone colors on our custom glass gobos. As with all color matching, ALWAYS get a sample, place it in a light and compare it to the Pantone color. Remember! there can be a wide variety of color temperatures in the source light’s lamp and that can skew the color quite a bit. Avoid the potential last minute stress and get the creative clients together to approve the match as early as possible.
The Pantone color matching system is a wonderful source to choose colors from and should not be intimidating. There are many websites available that give a lot of information on the system. You can also call us at Apollo with any Pantone to Apollo Gel questions.
