You spent hours perfecting your branding – the bold logo, the vibrant colors, the visuals that make your packaging pop. But when your custom greaseproof paper arrives, something looks off.
That signature lime green? More like guacamole.
Your cherry red? Too tomato.
What happened?
It's not your design, it's how color works across different platforms and printing methods. In this guide, we'll break down the differences between RGB, CMYK, and Pantone, and we'll help you choose the right method for consistent, high-impact food-safe packaging.
Why Color Looks Different in Print vs. On Screen
When designing for digital screens, you're working with light-based colors (RGB). Printing, on the other hand, relies on ink-based colors (CMYK or Pantone). That shift can lead to muted tones or noticeable color changes in print – especially if the file wasn't prepped for printing.
RGB (Red, Green, Blue) – For Screens Only
RB is used for everything you see digitally, phones, tablets, websites, and social media. It creates color by mixing light, which allows for bright, flowing hues – especially neons and saturated tones.
But... here's the catch:
RGB is not compatible with print. When you send an RGB file to a printer, it must be converted to something print-ready (usually CMYK), and that's where color shift happens.
CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) – For Full-Color Printing
CMYK is a subtractive color model used in printing. It mixes four ink colors to recreate your design, and is the go-to printing method for things like:
- Photographs or detailed/realistic illustrations
- Complex designs with gradients or texture
- Designs with a lot of different colors
CMYK offers flexibility, but it can produce subtle variations in tone – especially on absorbent materials like uncoated greaseproof paper.
Pantone (PMS) – For Spot-Color Accuracy
Pantone is a universal color-matching system using pre-mixed spot inks. Each color has a unique code (example: Pantone 186 U), ensuring consistency across printers, substrates, and print runs.
Use Pantone if:
- Your design is 1-2 solid colors
- You want precise brand color matching
- You're printing a clean logo or graphic – not photo
Note: Pantone can't reporoduce photos or gradients, it's made for flat color – not full-color imagery.
CMYK vs Pantone: Which Should You Use for Custom Greaseproof Paper?
Use Case: Best Choice
Full-color photos or textures: CMYK
Simple 1-2 color logo designs: Pantone
Gradient effects or illustrations: CMYK
Brand-critical color matching: Pantone
Tip: If your design uses more than two colors or includes photos, CMYK is the most effective print method. For logos and consistent branding, Pantone is the clear winner.
Why Substrate Matters: Coated vs. Uncoated Paper
Greaseproof paper is uncoated, which means that ink is absorbed into the fibers. This gives your design a soft, matte look, but also slightly dulls colors compared to glossy, coated materials.
That's why It's a Wrap always matches colors using the Pantone Uncoated (U) library – ensuring the most accurate representation on your food-safe paper.
Example: Pantone 186 C (coated) and Pantone 186 (U) may share a base formula, but they will look different in print due to the paper substrate.
How to Prep Your Artwork for the Best Print Results
To get your colors looking right the first time:
- Convert RGB files to CMYK: Use design tools like Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, or Canva to set your color mode to CMYK before exporint.
- Including Pantone Callouts (if Applicable): If you're using brand-specific colors, include Pantone references. We'll always match using the Uncoated (U) library to suit your custom greaseproof.
- Always Review a Proof: We provide a free digital proof with every order, so you can approve layout, color, and placement before printing.
Note: When reviewing color in your digital proof, remember that colors on the screen will appear brighter than production, so make sure that your Pantone references are correct.
How It’s A Wrap Helps You Nail Your Brand Colors
- We convert RGB to the correct print format (CMYK or Pantone)
- We match all Pantone Uncoated (U) references for accurate print results
- We offer advice on which print method fits your design best
- We provide free digital proofs for every order
Whether you're wrapping up sandwiches, lining trays, or adding that final brand touch, we make sure your custom greaseproof paper looks as good as it performs.
Wrapping It Up: Choosing the Right Color Mode
- RGB: For digital screens only
- CMYK: For full-color or photographic printing
- Pantone: For spot color accuracy and brand consistency
Choosing the right system is key to standout packaging. And when you work with It's a Wrap, we make sure your colors are on brand.
Request your free sample and proof today and discover how amazing your brand can look on custom foodservice paper.
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