When it comes to promotional products, colour is one of the first things people ask us about, and for good reason. Your colours are a key part of your brand identity, and you want your branded merchandise to reflect that consistently.
In our video above, Managing Director James Biggin explains how we help clients match their brand colour confidently, whether through Pantone matching, or clever selection of coloured or neutral items. Below we go into more detail on our approach to colour matching your brand, with practical tips and FAQs.
Colour Options
We start every project by understanding your brand colours and guidelines. What colours feature in your logo, and whether you have any specific colour references or rules.
From there, we explore what is achievable within the types of promotional products you would like; considering:
- The materials and colours available,
- Which items will best suit your brand palette, and
- How to balance those choices with your budget and lead time requirements.
If you have Pantone references for your brand colours, and want a precise match, we will propose items that can be Pantone matched. This offers the most accurate colour result, especially on items such as bottles, pens or notebooks with larger colour areas.
Where Pantone matching isn’t an option, we’ll guide you through stock colour alternatives, showing you the closest available match. We can also provide plain samples so you can be completely confident in your colour selection before production begins.
Whether you have full Pantone specs or a simple colour palette, we’ll work closely with your guidelines to ensure every product feels on-brand.
Colour Variation Across Products
Many branded products come in a wide range of standard colours, but because they are produced using different materials, and by multiple manufacturers, there will always be subtle variations between shades.
For example, if you are wanting a sports water bottle, a notebook and a pen, all in “teal,” when they are placed side by side, they may appear slightly different.
When the difference feels too great, we will look at creative alternatives:
- Products with coloured trims or accents.
- Neutral items that allow your logo colour to pop.
- Two-tone designs that incorporate your brand colours without forcing an exact match.
For instance, if your brand colour is royal blue, you might choose a white-base pen with a blue trim. Or flip it – using a pen which is royal blue, with a white logo print for maximum contrast.
Neutral Coloured Items
If stock colours don’t align closely enough to your brand colours, a neutral base (black, white, kraft, or grey) can be the perfect backdrop.
This approach works brilliantly for strong or distinctive logos; allowing your brand colour to stand out while maintaining a clean, professional look.
It’s also ideal for shorter lead times, since neutral stock items are often readily available.
Pantone Matching
Pantone matching is increasingly common thanks to advances in print and coating technology. It allows your product itself to be manufactured or coated in your exact brand colour using the Pantone Matching System (PMS).
While Pantone match products usually come with higher minimum quantities or longer lead times, they’re ideal when colour precision is essential, for flagship campaigns or premium gifts.
Whichever route you take, understanding how colour affects perception is just as important as the production method.
The Psychology of Colour in Merchandise
Colours are emotional – they help form the first impression of a product and your brand. When a colour “fits” what’s being sold, it strengthens trust and recognition.
Research shows that colour can increase brand recognition by up to 80%, and in many cases, up to 90% of snap judgements about a product are based on colour alone (Journal of Marketing & Social Research).
When you’ve spent time developing your brand identity, you want your merchandise to reflect it perfectly. So whether you’re going for an exact Pantone match, using close stocked shades, or opting for a neutral base, the right colour choice makes a big difference in how your audience perceives your quality, consistency, and attention to detail.
That’s why we take the time to get the colour of your merchandise right, exploring options early so you can feel confident your final item looks exactly as it should.
How Branding Methods Affect Colour
The branding technique you choose can influence which colours work best for your logo:
Pad and Screen Printing
You can print up to four spot colours which is ideal for most logos. It’s also cost-effective for large runs (100+) and larger designs, creating high-quality, durable prints. Ideal for textiles, notebooks and bags. Pad printing is mainly reserved for items that have texture and shape – pens are the classic example. Finishes like metallic or even glow-in-the-dark can create extra impact.
Transfer Printing
A more budget-friendly option, used for shorter runs on bags, caps, or high-vis items. Limited to one or two colours, but quick and flexible.
Engraving, Embossing & Debossing
Subtle and tactile – perfect for premium notebooks, metal gifts or executive accessories. Works best with your primary brand colour for understated elegance.
Embroidery
Popular for small designs on clothing and bags. Allows up to 12–15 thread colours per design. The higher the stitch density, the more accurate and professional your logo will look.
Digital Full-Colour Printing
Ideal for vibrant, detailed artwork. Offers high-resolution results, faster lead times, and lower setup costs. Great for bottles, tech and full-colour artwork with large branding areas.
New Branding Techniques
New methods such as infusion print (ideal for vintage or soft-finish clothing) and sustainable inks are expanding what’s possible for your brand colours.
💡 Tip: The more colours and print complexity, the higher the cost. However, a well-designed two or three-colour logo can often achieve the same impact – and be more economical.
Read more about How Merchandise Is Made here.
Quick Reference Guide: Colour Matching Options
| Colour Option | Description | Best For | Typical Lead Time* | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pantone Match | Product is manufactured or coated in your exact brand colour | Premium gifts, bottles, notebooks | 3 – 6 weeks | Most accurate, ideal for large quantities |
| Close Stock Match | Choose from standard stocked colours close to your brand colour | Fast projects, smaller budgets | 5 – 12 working days | Quick and cost-effective |
| Neutral Base + Print | Use black, white, or a kraft product base and print your logo in colour | Logos that suit contrast | 5 – 12 working days | Flexible and great visual impact |
| Coloured Trim Products | Neutral item with coloured accent or trim | Events, welcome packs, giveaways | 5 – 12 working days | Simple, cost-effective way to include brand colour |
*Lead times above are a guide – we will always check to see if your delivery date can be achieved.
See our Eco-Friendly Merchandise here.
FAQs
Can you match my Pantone exactly?
Yes – we can match your Pantone reference exactly on certain items that allow Pantone colour matching. We will specify this early and provide a proof before production so you can be sure you are entirely happy with the result.
What if my colour isn’t available in stock?
If your brand colour isn’t available for the item you’d like, we will show you the closest colour options or suggest creative alternative similar products, or suggest neutral bases or coloured trims hat reflect your brand colours effectively.
Does Pantone matching cost more?
Pantone matching can cost more depending on the process, particularly for custom-coloured materials. We’ll always be transparent about costs and lead times before you decide.
Why do colours vary between products?
Colours can vary between products as different materials absorb colour differently. Even when two products are described as the same shade, they can still appear slightly different.
Final Tip: There’s always a way to stay closely aligned to your brand colour with your branded merchandise – whether that’s through Pantone matching, creative combinations, or clever use of neutral tones and coloured branding.
We hope you are enjoying our Branded Products Minute Series.
Catch up on our other blogs so far explaining:
- Lead Times for Branded Merchandise
- How to Choose Branded Products guide
- 6 Office-Friendly Ideas That Get Used Every Day
Would you like more help finding the perfect colour match for your next campaign? Get in touch with our team – we will guide you through options that match your brand, timeline, and budget.
Leave A Comment