Moulded colour vs printed colour
Soft PVC and silicone parts are coloured in the mould — the pigment is in the material, so the colour runs through the part and will not wear off. Where a photograph or gradient is needed, a printed insert or pad-print is used instead. Tell us which you need; moulded colour is more durable, print is more detailed.
Specifying a colour
- Pantone reference. The most accurate way to brief colour; we match to your Pantone number.
- Physical swatch. Send a sample of the colour you want matched.
- Brand colour book. A CMYK or HEX reference is a starting point but is less accurate than Pantone for moulded parts.
How many colours
Up to 8 moulded spot colours are standard on a single part. More colours add material and process steps and are reflected in the quote. A printed insert extends the range where a photo-real image is required.
What affects colour accuracy
- The material: the same Pantone reads slightly differently in soft PVC, silicone and rubber.
- The finish: gloss and matte change perceived colour.
- The batch: we match to the approved sample, which is why sample approval matters.
See the pricing guide for how colour count affects price, and the sampling guide for checking colour on the sample.
FAQ
Can you match my Pantone?
Yes. Send the Pantone number; we match to it in the mould. Note the same number reads slightly differently across PVC, silicone and rubber.
What if I have no Pantone?
Send a physical swatch or a brand colour reference; we will match as closely as the material allows and confirm on the sample.
Moulded colour or print — which?
Moulded colour is durable and runs through the part; print is for gradients and photo detail. We advise based on the artwork.
Why does my colour look different in another material?
The same Pantone reads slightly differently in soft PVC, silicone and rubber, and gloss vs matte shifts perception. The approved sample is the reference.
Minimum order and lead time?
100 pieces per design; sampling 5–7 days; production 12–30 days after artwork approval. Free 3D modelling before tooling.