Pantone colors – what is the differences between coated and uncoated reproduction?
The differences are shown in the Pantone color matching swatch book. The colors designed for uncoated paper have a “U” after the number. The colors designed for coated paper have a “C” after the number. Uncoated stock reacts differently to ink than a coated (gloss or matte) stock will. Likewise, PMS 123C looks dramatically different than PMS 123U. When using a PMS ink it is understood that you are trying to achieve a more exact color match than a four color process match can provide. So being aware of the differences between coated and uncoated will help alleviate any problems.
