Set the reference
An approved print sample or defined colour values form the reference, alongside the substrate and surface details.
Colour management.
Your brand’s signature.
We compare reference colours using measurable data and work towards consistent colour across label production.
COLOUR ACCURACY / OUR APPROACH
One colour. Many print runs. A shared reference.
A label should express the brand consistently across print runs. Instead of relying solely on visual judgement, we can use spectrophotometer measurements to compare printed samples with an agreed reference.
The aim is not to promise identical appearance on every surface, but to work towards an agreed reference and suitable job-specific tolerances.
01 / COLOUR MEASUREMENT
From reference to print, in three steps.
Measure the print
A spectrophotometer records the printed sample’s colour values for comparison under consistent measurement conditions.
Review the result
Measurement differences and visual appearance are considered together. Any adjustments are planned against the job’s colour target.
02 / COLOUR CONSISTENCY
What influences the result?
Substrate and base colour
Paper, film, metallic surfaces and base colour can affect how the same ink appears.
Surface and finishing
Gloss, matte finishes, varnish and lamination can change the final appearance of colour.
Viewing and measurement
Lighting, measurement geometry and the selected assessment method matter when comparing colour.
03 / COLOUR DIFFERENCE
What does ΔE mean?
CIELAB describes colour numerically. ΔE is a calculation used to express the difference between two colours. The specific ΔE formula, substrate and job-specific tolerance must be considered together.
GOOD TO KNOW
Frequently asked questions.
Why might the printed colour differ from my screen?
Screens emit light while printed surfaces reflect it. Display calibration, colour profiles, substrate and viewing light may alter appearance.
Can different printing methods reproduce the same colour?
Measurements can be compared against one reference, but the ink, substrate and colour gamut of each process affect the result.
Is there one universal acceptable ΔE value?
No. An acceptance limit depends on the job, the colour difference formula and the assessment conditions.