Colours and Pantones
Norma prints in two methods. Colour accuracy varies between them:
- DTG (direct to garment). CMYK-based inkjet. Renders most colours within a couple of shades of an on-screen swatch. Pantone matching is approximate; we hit the same hue but the saturation and brightness can shift by a few percent.
- Screen print. Ink mixed to a specific recipe per colour. Pantone matching is precise within one delta-E unit for spot colours up to Pantone book +/- 1.
When to choose each
- DTG is the right call for photographic artwork, multi-colour gradients, and small runs (under 100 units).
- Screen print is the right call for one or two solid colours at volume (over 250 units), where colour consistency across the batch matters more than artwork complexity.
We default to DTG for most company merch because it is faster, the unit economics are better under 250, and the result holds up to 50 wash cycles on a 30 °C cold wash.
Pantone matching
For brand-critical work, send the Pantone code (PMS xxx) with the order. We confirm on the mockup whether DTG or screen print is the right method to hit it.
- Spot colours in Pantone book. Screen print: precise to within 1 delta-E. DTG: approximate to within 3 to 5 delta-E.
- Process colours (CMYK). DTG: same gamut as CMYK printing. Screen print: requires a 4-colour process screen print, more expensive.
- Metallics and fluoros. Screen print only.
Garment colour interactions
Print on a coloured garment is not the same as print on a white garment:
- White ink lays down first as a base coat. The colour ink prints on top. This means a navy print on a black garment is closer to mid-blue than navy unless we explicitly request a heavier white base.
- Hot colours on dark garments need 2 to 3 passes of white. We confirm this on the mockup; it does not change the price.
Matching screen to print
Monitors are not print. The most reliable check is to:
- Request a Pantone-matched physical print proof (GBP 35, 5 to 7 working days).
- Compare against your brand book or a Pantone chip.
For high-stakes runs (event giveaways at over 500 units), order a physical proof first.