Pantone & Color Systems: เข้าใจความต่างของ Pantone, CMYK, และ RGB ในงานเซรามิก

Pantone & Color Systems: Understanding the Differences Between Pantone, CMYK, and RGB in Ceramic Design

🎨 RGB, CMYK, Pantone: What Are They, and How Do They Relate to Ceramics?

Ever noticed how a color looks perfect on your screen, but once printed or applied to a ceramic piece — it turns out completely different? That’s because colors “speak different languages” depending on where and how they’re used.

Today, let’s explore the 3 main color systems used around the world and how to choose the right one — especially when working with ceramics or product design.

🌈 1. Understanding the 3 Main Color Systems

✅ RGB – For Digital Screens

• Used for: Websites, social media, product photos
• How it works: Combines Red, Green, and Blue light → the more light added, the brighter the color
• Note: RGB colors appear more vibrant because screens emit light

✅ CMYK – For Print

• Used for: Packaging, catalogs, printed labels
• How it works: Combines four ink colors – Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black
• Note: Can’t produce bright neon colors like RGB

✅ Pantone (PMS) – For Precise Color Matching

• Used for: High-end printing, fashion, and ceramic glazing references
• How it works: Each color has a unique code (e.g. Pantone 18-1659), like choosing a paint swatch
• Why it’s useful: The same Pantone code delivers the same color globally

🏺 2. What Does Color Have to Do with Ceramics?

In ceramics, the final color after firing often looks nothing like the original sample. That’s due to several factors:

• 🔥 High heat: Some minerals burn off or change color under high temperatures
• 🧱 Clay body: The same glaze will look different on white vs. red clay
• 🧪 Glaze chemistry: Each glaze formula reacts differently in the kiln

🎨 3. Professional Color Naming in Ceramics

In design or ceramics, saying “I want blue” isn’t specific enough. Professionals use detailed naming methods to ensure clarity:

✔ Ways to Communicate Color Like a Pro:

1. Use Pantone Codes
Even if you can’t replicate Pantone shades exactly in ceramics, referencing the code helps with color matching as closely as possible.

2.Reference Oxides (Minerals)
Many ceramic colors are named after the minerals that produce them:

Cobalt Blue – deep blue from cobalt

Celadon – classic pale green from traditional celadon glaze

Oxblood – rich red from copper oxide

3.Add Texture + Tone Descriptions
For example:

• Matte Mustard Yellow
• Glossy Midnight Blue

This describes both the color and the surface finish

💡 Summary: Which Color System Should You Use?

• Use RGB for websites and product photography.
• Use CMYK for printed materials such as packaging or labels.
• If you’re working with a ceramic manufacturer, provide a Pantone code as a common reference.

And most importantly — always create a test tile before full production, because the final color is ultimately determined inside the kiln.