PMS Matching Information

What To Watch Out for with PMS Matching

Kahne Screen Print is here to warn you: PMS color matching is not possible in some cases! When using specific garment types, inks, or garment colors, Pantone (PMS) color matching is not possible. This is a case-by-case scenario, and we’ve done our best to cover some of the instances below. You can also call us to ensure that your garment will work for your screen printing needs.

Using Specific Garment Types

The use of tri-blend or blended garments can cause the colors in your final printed design to vary from what you see in the mock when you use water-based or discharge ink. The ink typically takes on the color of the garment and can appear muted. If you’re going for a vintage-y or less vibrant effect, consider using water-based or discharge inks.

Tri-blend garments have a unique blend of materials that prevent the ink from permeating the fabric very well. Tri-blend materials are less effective in holding vibrant colors, unlike a piece that is 100% cotton. We do not recommend printing on tri-blend clothing if you want vibrant colors or need to match specific Pantone inks. Call us today for more information about particular garment types.

Using Water-based or Discharge Inks

Due to the nature of water-base and discharge printing, it is not possible to match colors printed to the Pantone colors used. Certain garment brands, colors, and fabrics perform better with these ink types than others – please reach out to your customer service representative for more information.

Using Specific Garment Colors

Avoid the following colors when printing with Discharge or Premium Standard inks: Kelly Green, Red, Royal Blue, Lapis, Cobalt, Purple, Forest, Teal, and Turquoise. If you are going to print on these shirt colors, please note that lighter ink colors, such as white or yellow, will be influenced by the shirt color remaining underneath.

"I printed on the same ink type/garment type combo in the past – will the final product look exactly the same as last time?"

If you printed water-base/discharge on a certain garment in the past, the final product may differ from your current order. This is due to the shirt's manufacturing process. It’s possible to have a batch of 100% cotton garments, for example, that water-base/discharge differently than any other given batch. Unfortunately, we cannot control all of these circumstances at the manufacturing facilities. For more information about our color-matching capabilities, please give us a call.