Colour Matching & Print Accuracy for Signage

How Signage Colours Are Created

CMYK Printing (Most Common Method)

Most printed signage is produced using CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) inks. This process is ideal for full-colour graphics, gradients, photos, and complex artwork. CMYK performs well on ACM, PVC, wall films, window films, and many other surfaces, but it can vary slightly depending on the ink system, the printer, and the substrate.

CMYK is excellent for large-format print but isn’t always perfect for brand-critical colours, especially strong reds, navy blues, or fluorescent tones.

Spot Colour & Pantone Simulation

Pantone is a global colour standard used by designers to ensure consistent branding across different media. Large-format printers simulate Pantone colours by converting them to CMYK, which means exact matches aren’t always possible.

Pantone simulation is most commonly used for:

• logos

• corporate branding

• signage with very specific colour requirements

• business interiors

Where perfect accuracy is important, we recommend printing a proof first.

Pre-Coloured Vinyl Films

Pre-coloured vinyl films are the most accurate way to match specific brand colours. Unlike print, the colour is part of the material itself. This is the method used for most long-term outdoor logos, lettering, and vehicle graphics.

Advantages:

• extremely consistent colour

• no print variation

• doesn’t rely on ink limits or substrate absorption

• best UV performance outdoors

This method is commonly used in Exterior Signage and vehicle graphics.

Why Colours Look Different Across Materials

Different Substrates Reflect Light Differently

Gloss, matte, textured, and translucent surfaces all change how colour appears.

• Gloss acrylic looks rich and vibrant

• Matte ACM softens and flattens the colour

• PVC absorbs more light and can appear slightly muted

• Corflute naturally dulls colour due to visible fluting

• Timber adds warmth and uneven absorption

These variations are normal — each material has its own visual characteristics.

For comparisons between materials, see our Sign Board Materials Guide.

Backlit & Translucent Vinyl Behave Differently

Illuminated signage uses opal acrylic or polycarbonate, which diffuses internal LED light. This can shift colour slightly:

• lighter areas appear brighter than expected

• darker areas soften under light

• internal reflectivity affects tone

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Translucent print requires test strips because colours behave differently when light passes through them.

Indoor vs Outdoor Lighting

Lighting is one of the largest variables in how signage colour appears:

• NZ sunlight is bright, blue-toned, and high UV

• Fluorescent lighting can be green-toned

• Warm indoor LEDs make colours appear slightly yellow

• Shaded areas soften everything

This is why the same colour can look different indoors and outdoors, even when printed perfectly.

Achieving the Best Colour Match

Providing Pantone Values or Brand Guidelines

If your brand has Pantone colours, supplying them is the best starting point. We can convert Pantone colours to CMYK and adjust profiles to match the substrate as closely as possible.

Calibrated Printing & Colour Profiles

Professional print systems use ICC colour profiles to standardise output across different materials. Even then, variations occur due to texture, finish, and ink limits.

Screens display RGB colours, which are often brighter than what can be reproduced in CMYK. This is why artwork sometimes looks different when printed — especially vibrant blues, neons, and very deep colours.

For best results, we recommend following the guidelines in our upcoming Artwork & File Preparation Guide.

Choosing Pre-Coloured Vinyl for Brand-Critical Work

If consistency is a top priority — especially outdoors — pre-coloured vinyl is the best option. It delivers the most stable result over time and performs well in New Zealand’s UV environment.

Common uses:

• shopfront logos

• vehicle branding

• long-term outdoor panels

• premium interior lettering

Common Colour Challenges (and How We Avoid Them)

Screen vs Print Differences

Computer screens use backlit RGB. Prints use CMYK. As a result:

• neon colours cannot be printed

• deep blues may shift slightly

• shadows and dark colours can lose detail

• light colours may appear more muted

We adjust artwork and print profiles to correct these differences wherever possible.

Material-Specific Shifts

Every material has its own quirks:

• Acrylic makes colours appear deeper

• PVC slightly dulls saturated colours

• Corflute reduces brightness

• Matte laminates reduce contrast

Understanding these shifts prevents surprises and ensures the right material is chosen from the start.

UV Fade in New Zealand

New Zealand’s UV intensity is among the highest in the world. Reds, yellows, and fluorescent colours fade the fastest.

To minimise fading:

• use laminated prints outdoors

• choose UV-stable pre-coloured vinyl

• avoid fluorescent colours for long-term signs

More cost factors related to longevity can be found in our Signage Cost Guide.

When to Request a Proof or Sample

We recommend test prints or samples when:

• colours are brand-critical

• signage is backlit

• printing on new materials

• using special laminates

• colour must match an existing sign

• printing large solid areas or gradients

Proofs ensure expectations match real-world outcomes.

What We Recommend for Common Sign Types

Exterior Shopfronts

• Pre-coloured vinyl for logos

• CMYK print for backgrounds and large panels

• Lamination for outdoor protection

  
  

Interior Offices & Retail Spaces

• CMYK prints for full-colour backgrounds

• Acrylic lettering for premium finishes

• Gloss surfaces provide richer tones

Illuminated Signs

• Opal acrylic or polycarbonate

• Translucent vinyl + test prints

• Proof under real lighting conditions

Lighting affects colour more than any other variable, including the difussion material and the lighting source, more help in our illuminated sign services

Summary: Getting the Most Accurate Colours

• Provide Pantone or brand references

• Expect slight differences across materials

• Use pre-coloured vinyl for perfect brand colours

• Request a proof for important signage

• Understand NZ lighting and UV impact

• Choose the right material and finish for your environment

See more guides in the resource hub