Pantone is a standardized color matching system used primarily in the design, printing, and manufacturing industries. The Pantone Matching System allows designers, manufacturers, and printers to refer to specific numbered colors for accuracy and consistency. Each Pantone color has a unique number or code associated with it. This helps eliminate any guesswork when trying to match colors across different materials or between design and production. When a designer specifies a Pantone code for a color, it takes the subjectivity out of color selection and ensures the end product matches the original vision.
Fluorescent or neon colors represent some of the brightest shades in the Pantone Matching System. They contain special pigments that seem to glow under certain light conditions. Fluorescent pink is an intense, hot pink color that radiates brightness. But with hundreds of pink shades in the Pantone system, how do you determine the specific code for fluorescent pink?
Understanding the Pantone Matching System
The Pantone Matching System first debuted in 1963. It originally contained 10 basic colors but has grown into a color library of over 1,700 solid Pantone colors. The colors are organized into a numbering system from Pantone 1000 to 1999 for solid Coated colors and 2000 to 2999 for solid Uncoated colors.
Within the PMS library, colors are grouped into color families. For instance, pinks are found in the 1400s-1500s range. Fluorescent colors occupy numbers in the 800s. So fluorescent versions of pink fall somewhere in the 810-850 zone.
In addition to numbered solid colors, Pantone has Color Bridge books that provide suggested CMYK or RGB approximations of the solid colors. There are also various other Pantone libraries like pastels, neons, metallics, and more.
Pantone Fluorescent Pink Codes
When searching for fluorescent or neon pink in the Pantone Matching System, there are two main color options:
| Pantone 806 C | Fluorescent Pink |
| Pantone 812 C | Fluorescent Fuschia |
Pantone 806 C is described as being vivid in brightness while maintaining some warmth. Pantone 812 C has more coolness and leans slightly blue. But both deliver the unnaturally bright, glowing pink associated with fluorescent colors.
Some key details on these two fluorescent pink colors:
Pantone 806 C
– Official name: Fluorescent Pink
– Solid Coated guide number: 806
– Color Bridge CMYK approximation: 0, 59, 24, 0
– Color Bridge RGB approximation: 255, 90, 157
This bright pink really pops against darker backgrounds. It has enough orange undertone to give it some vibrancy without skewing too salmon. Pantone recommends 806 C for abstract graphic accents.
Pantone 812 C
– Official name: Fluorescent Fuschia
– Solid Coated guide number: 812
– Color Bridge CMYK approximation: 25, 91, 0, 0
– Color Bridge RGB approximation: 180, 31, 123
Pantone 812 C possesses the same glowing luminosity as 806, but with a subtle blue bias. The result is a searing pink leaning slightly purple or fuchsia. This shade stands out on black backgrounds with its radiant energy.
Use Cases for Fluorescent Pink
When might you want to use one of these high-impact fluorescent pink colors? Here are some potential applications:
– Graphic design – Fluorescent pink makes for bold, eye-catching graphics against darker backgrounds. It can convey youthful energy, fun, and modern vibrancy. Use fluorescent pink for posters, ads, branding, and social media.
– Fashion/apparel – In clothing or accessories, fluorescent pink indicates a playful, cutting-edge style. It has an 80s retro feel as well. Incorporate it into activewear for sporty pops of color.
– Print projects – Want parts of a print project to leap off the page? Fluorescent pink is perfect for flyers, brochures, reports, and signage. Use it to highlight key text, graphics, or other elements.
– Events/parties – Planning a music festival, dance party, or colorful celebration? Fluorescent pink lighting, decorations, and accents set the scene. The color energizes and uplifts.
– Painting/art – Artists can use fluorescent pink paint for dramatic contrast against darker shades. The color also represents artificiality, pop culture, and postmodernism.
– Product design – Use fluorescent pink in product packaging or item design to denote innovation and modern style. Tech gadgets and electronics often incorporate this fun color.
Complementary Colors
Fluorescent pink has the unique ability to truly pop against both light and dark colors. But some effective complementary shades include:
– Black – Both light and dark values of black create impactful contrast with fluorescent pink. The color seems to glow and radiate against the neutral backdrop.
– Dark greys – Shades like charcoal grey, gunmetal, and blackened greys make fluorescent pinks shine.
– White – Clean, bright white also emphasizes the luminosity of fluorescent pink.
– Lime green – Pairing with another fluorescent color like Pantone 802 C pumps up the high-energy vibe.
– Electric blue – Fluorescent blue is another vivid complementary. Pantone 801 C provides the right electric quality.
– Teal – Cooler greens like teal or seafoam green give fluorescent pink a complementary color pop.
Conclusion
When you need a fluorescent, glowing pink, turn to the Pantone Matching System. Numbers 806 and 812 in the 800s fluorescent family deliver the perfect neon pink tone. Use fluorescent pink for fashion, graphic design, print projects, events, painting, product design, and more. Just be sure to reference the precise Pantone code when reproducing the color across different mediums. The numbers ensure you achieve accurate fluorescent pink execution every time. With its youthful energy and vibrant, futuristic style, this highlighter-hued pink packs a serious visual punch.