Printing
Pantone color printing, guaranteed
Pantone (PMS) printing uses pre-mixed solid spot inks matched to a numbered Pantone reference, so your signature brand color prints smooth and consistent across boxes, labels, bags and tissue. At CubitPack, Pantone matching is guaranteed: if a Pantone color is clearly off, we reprint.
Custom dielines · Free 3D mockup before you pay · Free US shipping
- AI-to-print studio includedAI concepts rebuilt onto exact dielines + 3D mockup
- 4–5 day rush specialistsPriority press lanes built for tight launch deadlines
- No die or plate chargesZero setup fees + 10% off your first custom order
- Pantone match guaranteedIf a Pantone color is clearly off, we reprint
What is Pantone color printing?
Unlike CMYK, which simulates colors on press from tiny dots of four inks, Pantone Matching System (PMS) spot printing mixes the exact ink shade by formula before it touches the press. Solid panels lay down completely smooth without halftone dot grain, and shades that sit outside CMYK range (such as rich navy, warm terracotta, vibrant orange or sage green) stay repeatable from one production run to the next.
How it works
How does Pantone color printing work?
- 01
Share your Pantone code
Give us your Pantone Coated (C) or Uncoated (U) number in the quote form, or let our designers match your brand hex code.
- 02
Ink is mixed to formula
The spot ink is mixed to the Pantone recipe and checked against the physical swatch book for your chosen stock.
- 03
Printed smooth and guaranteed
Solid flood coats and fine logos print without dot patterns. If a delivered Pantone shade is clearly off, we reprint.
Is it for you?
When to choose it, and when to skip it
Choose it when
- Strict brand colors that must match across folding cartons, mailers, labels and shopping bags
- Large solid flood-coated panels where you want smooth, dot-free color
- Clean 1-Pantone or 2-Pantone minimalist logos on white or natural kraft board
- Colors CMYK struggles to hit cleanly, such as bright oranges, deep greens and crisp pastels
Skip it when
- Full-color photographs or multi-shade paintings: print those in CMYK, and reserve Pantone for your logo or border
- Using Coated (C) swatch expectations on raw brown kraft: uncoated and brown fibers naturally shift any ink warmer, so pick Uncoated (U) references for uncoated stocks
How it works
Request a quote with Pantone color printing
Tell us what you’re packing and how many. The form opens with Pantone color printing ticked. Your dedicated account manager prepares pricing for each quantity.
- 01
Tell us what you’re packing
Pick your box, bag or label, enter a rough size and up to 3 quantities — or drop in an AI design.
- 02
Compare custom pricing
Your dedicated account manager prepares tailored pricing for each quantity tier you picked.
- 03
Dieline & 3D mockup, free
Our studio prepares print-ready artwork on your exact dieline and sends a 3D mockup. Nothing prints until you approve.
- 04
Printed & shipped free
Produced in 10–14 business days (4–5 day rush available) and delivered free to all 50 US states.
Prefer to talk? or see how ordering works.
Compare
Pantone color printing vs full color (CMYK) printing vs white ink on kraft
| Method | How it works | Suits | Exact brand color? | Plate charges | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pantone color printing | Uses pre-mixed ink from a Pantone code | Solid brand colors and 1–2 color logos | Yes, guaranteed match or we reprint | None | Get a quote |
| Full color (CMYK) printing | Blends cyan, magenta, yellow and black | Photos, gradients and multi-color art | Close; use Pantone for exact match | None | Get a quote |
| White ink on kraft | Lays opaque white ink onto brown kraft | White logos or bright color on kraft | Pairs with CMYK or Pantone | None | Get a quote |
Where it works
Which packaging can have Pantone color printing?
Pick any of these in the quote form. Each button switches the form to that packaging, with the option ticked where the form has it.
- Card / product boxesGet a quote
- Mailer boxesGet a quote
- Rigid boxesGet a quote
- Shipping boxesGet a quote
- Labels & stickersGet a quote
- Stand-up pouchesGet a quote
- Mylar bagsGet a quote
- Spout pouchesGet a quote
- Paper bagsGet a quote
- Poly mailersGet a quote
- Box insertsGet a quote
- Tissue & butter paperGet a quote
- Thank you & insert cardsGet a quote
- Packaging tapeGet a quote
Ready to order? See custom printed boxes, custom tissue paper and custom paper shopping bags.
Ready to add Pantone color printing?
Send a rough idea: a product, a size and a quantity, and we’ll tailor your quote across up to 3 volume tiers.
Artwork
How to set up your artwork for Pantone color printing
Not sure? Our free artwork check sets it up for you.
- Assign Pantone Solid Coated (C) codes for coated or laminated stocks, and Pantone Solid Uncoated (U) codes for uncoated stocks
- Keep spot-color logos and panels set as named spot swatches in your vector file (AI, PDF or EPS)
- Only have a hex or RGB brand color? Send it with your quote and our designers suggest the closest Pantone swatch for your approval
- Note that matte or soft-touch lamination slightly softens color saturation compared with gloss lamination
Cost
Does Pantone color printing cost more?
A 1-Pantone or 2-Pantone design can cost less than full-color printing on simple boxes, bags, tissue and tape, and there are no plate charges. Mixing CMYK plus Pantone spot channels is also available and quoted per quantity. Common searches we quote include pms spot color boxes, pantone vs cmyk packaging, pantone color match boxes, 1 color pantone box printing, spot ink custom packaging, pantone solid coated and uncoated ink, exact brand color box printing, pre mixed pms ink for packaging, 2 color pantone packaging print, solid flood coat pantone boxes, pantone metallic and pastel box ink, consistent brand color across box runs, pantone spot color on kraft and white and when to choose pantone spot printing.
Every quote is free, with tailored pricing for each quantity tier you compare.
Get a quote with Pantone color printingWays to pay less
- 10% off your first order
- We beat a written US competitor quote for the same specs
- No die or plate charges
- A lower unit price at bigger quantities
Why CubitPack
One account manager, from first question to delivery.
- 1-on-1
Dedicated account manager
Work with one packaging specialist from sizing and dielines through proof approval and delivery.
- Free
AI & custom design studio
Bring print-ready files, a rough logo, or an AI-generated box idea — we rebuild every element onto your exact dieline for free.
- 3D
Approve before you pay
Review a high-detail 3D mockup and flat digital proof of every panel, flap and finish before paying a cent.
- 10–14
Business days to deliver
Counted from proof approval and payment, with free shipping across all 50 states. Rush orders ship in 4–5 days.
Our promises, in writing
- Reprint or refund. If we get it wrong, tell us within 14 days with photos and you choose.
- Pantone guaranteed. If a Pantone color is clearly off, we reprint it.
- Damaged in transit. We reprint the damaged units free and handle the carrier claim.
- Cancel free. Any time before you approve your proof, with a full refund.
At a glance
Pantone color printing at a glance
- Works on
- Card / product boxes, mailer boxes, rigid boxes, shipping boxes, labels and stickers, stand-up pouches, mylar bags, spout pouches, paper bags, poly mailers, inserts, tissue paper, cards and tape.
- Best for
- Exact, repeatable brand colors and smooth solid flood coats.
- Cost
- A 1-Pantone or 2-Pantone design can cost less than full-color printing on simple boxes, bags, tissue and tape, and there are no plate charges.
- Before you pay
- A digital proof and a 3D mockup
- Account support
- One dedicated account manager from quote to delivery
FAQ
Pantone color printing: questions
How does your Pantone match guarantee work?
Give us your Pantone code when you order. We match it against the official Pantone reference for coated or uncoated stock, and if a Pantone color on your delivered order is clearly off from that reference, we reprint or refund it.
What is the difference between Pantone Coated (C) and Uncoated (U)?
The ink formula is the same, yet C shows how it dries crisp and bright on smooth coated or laminated board, while U shows how it absorbs softer and slightly flatter into uncoated paper or kraft.
Can I combine CMYK photos and a Pantone brand color on the same box?
Yes. Many cosmetic, food and supplement cartons print product imagery in CMYK and run an extra Pantone spot channel for the brand background or wordmark.
What if I only know my website hex code and do not own a Pantone book?
No problem. Send your hex code, logo file or an existing box photo with your quote, and our prepress team identifies the closest Pantone code and shows it on your proof.
Are there extra plate charges for Pantone spot colors?
No. CubitPack charges no die or plate fees on Pantone or CMYK orders.
Can I request a free digital proof and 3D mockup showing pantone color printing on my box?
Yes. Every order with pantone color printing includes free design help, a custom dieline, a 2D digital proof, and a 3D mockup before you pay so you can check placement and finishes.
Are there any die or plate charges when adding pantone color printing to my custom packaging order?
No. CubitPack charges zero die or printing plate fees on pantone color printing, and standard US shipping to all 50 states is included in your written quote.
How fast can I get a custom quote comparing unit prices with and without pantone color printing?
Send your product dimensions and up to three quantity tiers in the quote form, and your dedicated account manager replies in 5–7 minutes, 24/7, with side-by-side pricing.
Can I see pantone color printing in person inside the CubitPack sample kit or on a physical prototype?
Yes. You can order our physical sample kit (credited to your first order) to feel board and finish swatches, or request a custom pre-production prototype before a full run.
Guides
Guides about Pantone color printing
Should you choose CMYK process or PMS Pantone spot-color printing for your custom printed boxes?
Read the guide
How do I design custom blush boxes, Pantone swatch bars and INCI panels across multiple cheek shades?
Read the guide
How do I design custom printed tape artwork with Pantone colors and flood coats?
Read the guideSources
Sources for this page
- Wikipedia: Pantone: how the Pantone Matching System standardizes pre-mixed spot inks across coated and uncoated substrates
- Wikipedia: Spot color: difference between solid single-run spot ink laydown and four-color halftone process dots
- Pantone — Pantone Matching System (PMS) Coated & Uncoated Standards: solid spot ink formulation and Coated (C) vs Uncoated (U) substrate color appearance
Printing
More printing
Full color (CMYK) printing
Four-color process ink for photos, gradients and colorful artwork.
Card / product boxes, mailer boxes, rigid boxes, shipping boxes, labels and stickers, stand-up pouches, mylar bags, spout pouches, paper bags, poly mailers, inserts, tissue paper, cards and tape.Get a quoteDetails about full color (CMYK) printingInside printing
Artwork, patterns or messages printed inside the lid and walls.
Card / product boxes, mailer boxes, rigid boxes, shipping boxes, paper shopping bags and thank-you / insert cards.Get a quoteDetails about inside printingWhite ink on kraft
Crisp white ink on brown kraft, alone or under bright colors.
Kraft card / product boxes, kraft mailer boxes, kraft shipping boxes, kraft stand-up pouches, kraft mylar bags, kraft paper shopping bags, kraft inserts, kraft wrapping paper and kraft cards.Get a quoteDetails about white ink on kraft
Get started
Get a price with Pantone color printing.
Bring a rough size, a logo, or an AI concept. One dedicated account manager guides your custom packaging from dieline and 3D proof to delivery.