Discharge pantone mixing

[Rockers]

Quick question, we want to start using discharge inks very soon. How do you get proper pantone color matches done. Would it generally work the same way as if you mix plastisol inks? Can`t really imagine that as you actually have to work with concentrated pigments for mixing colors. Is there a lot of try and error involved and all down to experience? Does the shirt color need to be taken into account too? Or would it be advisable not to offer exact pantone color matches with discharge inks? And furthermore which discharge system you guys work with or get the best results with? I know a lot is just down to the garment but ink wise which one do you feel most comfortable with. We have been looking at Sericols system or Magna Color discharge inks.

[Prosperi-Tees]

I wouldn't even put the word 'match' anywhere in the wording. I would say simulation and stress that there are alot of variables with discharge.

[tonypep]

For a very long time I have used just about everyones PC/base systems with no formulation guidelines just good old fashion color theory. At one pre-print op we formulated about 80 colors, logged the recipies, and printed swatches for sales, art and production. Now I'm leaning towards Sericol thanks to Rick Stefaniks nudging. You can download the entire pantone formulation guides. While they will never be perfect, they are considered "starter formulas" to which you can tweak. This is awesome. It's important to note these are finished RFU inkes not PCs. Colors are very vivid. For examples check out Liquid Blue or The Mountain.
You will experience shading issues which will vary from mfg and dyes. Therefore a greater tolerance is required by the customer who may or may not accept this. Just be upfront about it.

[Doug B]

  I also would not even use the terms "PMS" or "color match" in the same sentence, paragraph,
page, document, room, city, county, country, hemisphere... You might be able to come close
SOMETIMES but due to the immense array of variables, I would not even think of offering
it. What would you do when there is a difference of shirt dye lot in the same box (which often
happens)? Reformulate in the middle of a run?

[RICK STEFANICK]

If your a medium or small shop the sericol formula guide will provide you the ability to offer more than just stock colors without alot of hassle. Honestly though with the stock colors offered with the system most customers are satisfied and if it is contract work requiring matches , usually your dealing with a educated buyer who understands discharge variables and usually wont require a exact match. but if so, its much easier to get that match when your close out of the gate(as tony said) and thats what the sericol system offers. The darn thing has made my life alot easier. you guys know if the presses are not spinning no money is being made. unless you have a full time color mixer thats included in your fixed overhead? who wants to spend 2 hours adjusting and swatching colors. for a 100 pc. order.just sayin