Plastic Card Colour Matching: Why Your Colours Differ and How to Fix Them

Printed Cards -

Plastic Card Colour Matching: Why Your Colours Differ and How to Fix Them

When it comes to creating the perfect printed plastic card—be it a business card, membership card, or gift card. Colour matching from digital card to physical card is very important.

Not only does colour matching play a huge role in your brand's messaging it is important for maintaining a professional appearance.

A common challenge many of our customers face is not understanding why there is a difference between the colours they see on their digital designs and the colours that appear on the final printed plastic card. 

At Card Monster, we understand how frustrating this can be, and we're here to shed light on the reasons behind these colour differences and how we can help you achieve the vibrant, consistent colours you envision for your plastic cards.

Understanding Plastic Card Colour Matching

Plastic colour card matching

In branding and marketing, colours are not visual elements. They are powerful tools that evoke emotions, build brand recognition, and influence purchasing decisions. 

An inconsistency in colour can affect your brand identity and send mixed signals to your audience. Therefore, ensuring that the colours in your printed plastic cards match your digital designs is necessary for maintaining a professional brand image.

Many customers associate your brand with its colour. I.e. in a South African setting, we know that NWU (North West University’s) colours are purple. Just as much as we know that Club Med’s Colours are a dark blue. These colours are what make us unique and by adding them to your cards, you can stand out from the competition and make your brand known without having to say much.

Understanding Colour Models: RGB vs. CMYK vs. PMS

Colour modules RGB and CMYK

One of the primary reasons for colour differences between digital designs and printed plastic cards lies in the difference between colour models used in digital and print media.

RGB (Red, Green, Blue)

Digital screens, such as computer monitors, smartphones, and tablets, use the RGB colour model. This model combines red, green, and blue light in various intensities to create a broad spectrum of colours. RGB uses light to produce colour. The more illuminated the light involved, the lighter the image. 

RGB produces the widest range of colour and makes those panetones on your computer look rich and full.

CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black)

The print industry mainly uses the CMYK colour model. This is a subtractive color model where colours are created by subtracting light using cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks. These inks are layered in different amounts to create various colours on your plastic card.

CMYK, used in printing, can’t produce all the bright colours that RGB can. This means some colours might look less bright or slightly different when printed on plastic cards compared to how they appear on your screen. 

For example. A bright neon pink you see on your screen (made with RGB) might look more dull when printed using CMYK inks on a plastic card.

What’s the difference between RGB and CMYK?

Difference between RGB and CMYK

As stated above, RGB is a colour profile used to design digital designs and CMYK is a colour profile used to design physically printed designs. 

If you design your plastic cards in CMYK you will get the colour matching you desire. 

How to Achieve Accurate Colour Matching with Card Monster

Accurate Colour Matching Card Monster

At Card Monster, we recognise the challenges of colour matching in plastic card printing and have developed strategies to ensure your printed cards meet your expectations.

Utilise Your Branding Guide

If you have a branding guide that outlines your specific colour codes (such as HEX values), provide it to us. Our design and production teams will use these guidelines to ensure your printed plastic cards align with your brand's colour standards. 

This is particularly important for plastic cards, where colour codes play an important role in brand perception. If we know exactly what colour you want we can match the colour in our printing process.

Provide Printed Samples

Sending us a physical sample of the colour you are satisfied with allows our team to match it as closely as possible in the final print. This hands-on approach helps bridge the gap between digital designs and printed plastic cards, ensuring that the colours on your plastic cards meet your expectations.

We still need the HEX value but a sample is also a great idea to know what it is you like and need. 

Expertise of Our Team

Our designers are industry-experienced, they have the knowledge and skills to handle complex colour matching tasks for plastic cards. 

Our combination of design expertise and printing know-how allows us to achieve consistent and accurate colours across different materials and printing methods, especially for plastic cards.

Key Takeaway: Leveraging our expertise, technology, and collaborative approach ensures that your printed plastic cards accurately reflect your desired colours, maintaining your brand's identity.

Tips for Customers to Ensure Colour Accuracy in Plastic Card Printing

Colour Accuracy

While Card Monster is committed to delivering accurate colour matches, there are steps you can take to achieve the desired results for your plastic cards.

Understand the Limitations of Digital Designs

Recognise that digital screens use the RGB colour models, which can produce colours that are not entirely replicable in print. Adjust your digital designs with print conditions in mind, opting for colours within the CMYK colour spaces to ensure the right colour combination when printing  plastic cards.

Make sure to always save your artwork design as a CMYK format.

Use High-Quality Images and Graphics

Ensure that the images and graphics in your design are of high resolution and SVG format and suitable for print. Low-quality images can result in blurry or distorted colours when printed on plastic, affecting the overall appearance of your card.

Please see our blog on how to design pvc cards on canva. 

Communicate Clearly with Us

Provide accurate information about your colour requirements, including any branding guidelines, colour codes, and preferences. 

Open communication allows our printing team to understand your expectations and address any potential issues, ensuring accurate colour matching in your plastic cards.

Request a Proof

Before finalising a large print run, request a physical proof of your plastic card. This sample allows you to review the colour accuracy and make any necessary adjustments before proceeding with the full order, ensuring that the final product meets your colour expectations.

Before we start the order, we always send through an artwork proof to be signed off by the client so that they know exactly what they are getting. We also have a term stating that the colours may not be the same as reflected digitally so clients will need to understand the difference between digital and physical printing. 

We are able to explain this fully to clients if they may need it.

Be Mindful of Finishes and Materials

Consider how different finishes and materials will impact colour appearance on plastic cards. Discuss your options with our team to select the best combination that aligns with your design and colour accuracy needs, ensuring that your plastic cards look exactly as intended.

Contact our sales team and we will be happy to explain the different finish options we supply or guide you into the ones that best meet your needs. 

Our basic cards come with a top coat overlay, this protects the card frm any damage and wear and tear. You can add special finishes like spot UV, Matte or Gloss to your cards. Check out some other special finishes that you can add here. 

Key Takeaway: Communicating clearly about your colour needs with us and understanding the limitations of RGB can help us produce the perfect cards for your printing needs. 

Common Colour Matching Challenges and Solutions in Plastic Card Printing

Colour Matching Accuracies at Card Monster

Challenge: Vivid Colours on Screen Look Duller in Print

Solution: Choose colours within the CMYK colour spaces that are known to reproduce well in print. Avoid relying solely on bright RGB colours that may not translate effectively. Collaborate with our designers to adjust your colour palette for optimal print results on plastic substrates.

Challenge: Different Materials Affecting Colour

Solution: Decide on the special finishes that best suit your colour and design requirements. For instance, if vibrant colors are essential, a glossy coated plastic may be preferable. Our team can provide samples and guidance to help you make an informed decision, ensuring that your chosen material enhances colour vibrancy.

Challenge: Inconsistent Colours Across Different Print Runs

Solution: Ensure that you use the same colour profiles in all your designs. At Card Monster, we maintain quality control measures to prevent colour inconsistencies across different print runs, ensuring uniformity in your printed plastic cards.

Our print ribbons are consistent and produce the colour you provide as per artwork design. Depending if you choose litho or digital printing. Litho printing is great for large runs where the colours are matched better and more vibrant. Digital printing is great for smaller print runs that are quick and efficient.  

Key Takeaway: Understanding these common challenges will enable you to produce the plastic card that your company envisioned. Leveraging our solutions-oriented approach ensures that your printed plastic cards meet and exceed your colour expectations.

Materials Matter

Matte vs Gloss Plastic Cards

The material on which your card is printed significantly influences colour accuracy.

Plastic

Plastic cards, such as PVC cards, provide a very tough and textured material. They often have a smooth, glossy surface that can make colours appear more vivid and vibrant. 

The durability and resistance to wear of plastic ensure that colours maintain their vibrancy over time. Plastic's ability to hold and reflect light affects how colours are perceived under various lighting conditions.

Depending on which card printing you choose with us, litho or digital, we can get the colours more accurately. Please see our blog on the different printing techniques we offer at Card Monster

Screen vs. Print: The Lighting Difference

Digital Screen Printing

Depending on where you view your cards, it plays a role on how they look.

Backlit Screens

Digital designs are typically viewed on backlit screens, which emit light and can display colours with high brightness and contrast. The colours on your screen are often more saturated and luminous due to the direct light source.

You will not get the exact same result as you would with a printed card. 

Reflective Print Materials

Printed plastic cards rely on ambient light reflecting off their surfaces. Without the direct light source, colours can appear less vibrant and may look different under various lighting conditions. 

The type of lighting (natural vs. fluorescent vs. LED) can further influence how colours are perceived on plastic cards. The glossy finish of plastic can amplify reflections, sometimes altering the appearance of colours based on the light source.

Remember your cards will look different based on the finishes that you choose. If you choose a matt card, you will get a more professional finish that is best for darker colours, whereas a gloss finish will brighten the colours based on the lighting you put it in.

Key Takeaway: The transition from backlit screens to reflective print materials like plastic can result in noticeable colour differences. It's important to adjust your designs to CMYK with print conditions in mind to achieve the desired outcome.

Coated Finishes on Plastic Cards

The finish of your plastic card's surface plays a significant role in colour and overall appearance.

Coated Finishes

Coated plastic cards have a layer applied to their surface, which can be glossy, matte, or spot UV. This coating reduces light absorption, allowing for sharper images and more vibrant colours. 

Glossy coatings enhance colour brightness and contrast, making them ideal for designs that rely on vivid hues.

Matte coatings, while less reflective, can offer a sophisticated look with subtle colour tones.

Digital or Litho Printing for Plastic Cards

Digital and Litho Printing for Plastic Cards

Different printing methods and equipment can introduce variations in colour output, especially when working with plastic cards.

Digital Printing

Digital printing is ideal for smaller print runs and offers greater flexibility. 

While it provides quick turnaround times and cost-effectiveness for short batches, the colour consistency may vary slightly compared to litho printing, especially across different machines or print runs. 

For plastic cards, digital printing allows for customisation and variable data, which can be advantageous for certain applications.

All of the card printers we sell are digital printers. 

Litho Printing

Litho printing is a widely used method for high-volume card printing. It offers consistent colour quality and can handle complex designs with precision. 

However, slight colour variations can occur due to differences in printing plates or ink densities. While litho printing is suitable for plastic cards, it requires careful calibration to maintain colour consistency.

This technique involves the creation of metal plates for each colour in the design, ensuring consistent and accurate results. Litho printing ensures that you get the exact colours you want for your design. 

Key Takeaway: The printing process and equipment used can impact colour consistency in plastic card printing. Understanding the strengths and limitations of each method helps in selecting the right printing technique for your project.

The Role of Technology in Colour Matching for Plastic Card Printing

Role of Colour Printing

Advancements in printing technology have significantly improved colour matching accuracy, bridging the gap between digital designs and printed plastic cards.

High-Resolution Printers

Our printers are advanced with the latest technology, we are able to use new technology to get the correct colour that your cards need. 

Software Solutions

Advanced software technology has allowed anyone to produce cards with just a few clicks. Canva has changed the game, making design accessible to anyone who has a computer. Adobe Illustrator is more sophisticated but allows designers to match the colour profile a company needs and ensures that the cards are print ready. 

Key Takeaway: Embracing the latest technology allows you to colour match your brand and ensure that your plastic cards look amazing. 

Case Studies: Successful Colour Matching in Plastic Card Printing with Card Monster

Dull RGB and Vibrant CMYK

Case Study 1: Business Cards for a Tech Startup

Challenge: A tech startup required plastic business cards with vibrant, eye-catching colours that matched their digital branding across various platforms. However, their initial printed samples showed duller colours than expected as they designed their artwork with an RGB colour palette. 

Solution: The Card Monster team reviewed the startup's branding guide and adjusted the colour palette to align with CMYK standards suitable for plastic printing. We also selected a glossy coated plastic and spot UV on their logo design to make it stand out. This immediately enhanced the colour vibrancy of the card. 

A proof was provided for approval before the full print run and the tech startup were very happy with their new cards. 

Result: The final plastic business cards featured bright, consistent colours that perfectly matched the startup's digital branding, receiving positive feedback from the client and their customers.

Case Study 2: Membership Cards for a Fitness Club

Challenge: A fitness club wanted plastic membership cards printed with their signature in green colour. However, the initial prints did not match the exact shade of green specified in their branding guide.

Solution: We collaborated closely with the client, obtaining a physical sample of the desired green colour and the HEX value to match our colours.

Our production team used litho printing to match the correct colour green and adjusted the printing settings to achieve the closest possible match on plastic cards.

We sent artwork for approval and the cards came out exceptionally. Both the client and customers were happy with the colour design. 

Result: The membership cards had a vibrant green colour that aligned with the club's branding, enhancing member satisfaction and reinforcing brand identity.

Key Takeaway: Real-world examples demonstrate our ability to tackle colour matching challenges effectively, delivering printed plastic cards that meet and exceed customer expectations.

The Card Monster Advantage: Expertise and Commitment to Quality in Plastic Card Printing

Card Monster Team

At Card Monster, we pride ourselves on our deep understanding of the printing process and our commitment to quality, especially in plastic card printing. 

Our approach to color matching includes the following:

Experienced Design Team

Our designers bring years of industry experience specific to plastic cards. They work closely with clients to ensure that colours provided digitally match the physical plastic card. 

Skilled Production Team

Our production team oversees the plastic card printing process to maintain high standards of colour consistency. We ensure that artwork is print ready and in CMYK. Before printing we always ask to approve the artwork by the client so that they are happy and we meet their expectations.  

Quality Assurance

From initial design reviews to final print inspections, we ensure that your plastic cards meet the highest standards of colour accuracy and overall quality. This commitment ensures that every plastic card we produce aligns with your brand's visual identity.

Personalised Service

We believe in building strong relationships with our clients. By understanding your unique needs and preferences, we tailor our services to deliver customised solutions that align with your branding and design goals. Our personalised approach ensures that your plastic cards are not only visually appealing but also true to your brand.

Key Takeaway: Our blend of expertise, quality, and service sets us apart, making Card Monster a trusted partner for all your plastic card printing needs.

Conclusion: Achieve Perfect Colour Matching in Plastic Card Printing with Card Monster

Perfect colour matching

Colour matching in plastic card printing is a process. It is a common misunderstanding between our clients. We want to help them understand the causes of mismatching digital colours to physical colours. Note that when you design your cards artwork, you have to save your design as CMYK format for it to match the same colour consistency on a printed physical card. 

At Card Monster, we are dedicated to helping you navigate these challenges. By leveraging our expertise, advanced technology, and commitment to quality, we ensure that your printed plastic cards accurately reflect your digital designs, maintaining the vibrancy for your brand's success.

Take the next step towards flawless plastic card printing. Contact Card Monster today, share your design and colour requirements, and let us help you bring your vision to life.


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