The PANTONE Metallics Chips Book Coated is a professional colour specification and communication tool for metallic print applications. Presented as a single-volume three-ring binder, it contains the complete collection of 655 Pantone metallic spot colours as perforated, removable paper chips. The range combines 354 high-lustre Packaging Metallics with 301 traditional metallic colours for branding, packaging, graphic design, signage, marketing and specialised print production. colour introduces a material quality that conventional flat inks cannot reproduce in the same way. Reflected light, changing viewing angles and surface finish create depth and movement, allowing packaging and printed communication to appear more distinctive, premium or technically sophisticated. The collection includes familiar gold, silver and bronze directions alongside coloured metallics, refined neutrals and contemporary shades developed for a broader range of brand and packaging applications.
The current range incorporates 54 market-relevant metallic colours and a Rose Gold base ink. These additions expand the palette into warmer, more nuanced metallic territories while complementing the established traditional and Packaging Metallic systems. Pantone brought the previous metallic collections together to provide all 655 graphic and packaging metallic colours within one coordinated system. colour fan intended primarily for viewing and selection, the Metallics Chips Book supports the physical transfer of colour intent throughout the workflow. Each binder page presents seven Pantone colours, with six individual removable chips for every shade. The approximately 3 × 2 cm samples can be detached and attached directly to palettes, mood boards, packaging mock-ups, design presentations, technical specifications and production approval documents.
Identical physical references can also be distributed to clients, printers, packaging manufacturers and international suppliers. This gives all project partners a shared Pantone colour reference rather than requiring them to interpret metallic intent from monitor displays, office printouts or descriptive terminology. It is especially valuable when design, sourcing, prepress and manufacturing take place in different companies or countries.
Metallic colours are particularly difficult to communicate digitally because their visual effect depends on reflection, pigment orientation, substrate and viewing angle. A screen can indicate the approximate hue, but it cannot reproduce the physical lustre of a metallic printing ink. The removable Pantone chips provide a material reference that helps teams discuss the intended colour and effect with greater clarity.
Every shade is printed on 148 g/m² coated paper, a commonly used stock weight for graphic and packaging applications. The coated surface supports a clear representation of colour density, brilliance and metallic lustre. Final production results can nevertheless vary according to the selected paper or board, ink-film thickness, press conditions, coating and finishing process. Production samples should therefore always be evaluated on the intended substrate.
The removable chips feature colour extending to three edges. This three-sided colour bleed allows a sample to be placed directly against another Pantone chip, proof, press sheet or packaging mock-up without a white border interrupting the comparison. Metallic combinations, tonal relationships and visible production differences can consequently be assessed more accurately.
The 655 colours are organised chromatically, enabling designers to explore related metallic families and move intuitively between warm, cool, neutral and coloured effects. Numerical indexes in the centre and at the back of the binder provide the location of each colour when a specific Pantone number has already been selected. Every chip is marked with its corresponding colour designation for clear professional specification. also includes examples produced with gloss aqueous and speciality coatings. These references demonstrate some of the ways in which surface treatments can modify or enhance metallic appearance. A coating may protect a printed area, adjust its gloss level or influence how strongly light interacts with the metallic ink. Including finishing considerations during colour development supports more realistic packaging and print decisions before production begins.
The Packaging Metallics are designed for high lustre and durability in applications that may require additional printing or coating. Pantone’s product specifications state that they are engineered to accept these processes without the same degree of lustre loss, tarnishing, leafing or blemishing that can affect less suitable metallic systems. Final compatibility must still be confirmed with the printer, ink supplier, substrate and selected coating process. describes the current metallic ink formulas as more environmentally considerate and more consistent in ink density. The greater formulation consistency is intended to support better print achievability and more dependable reproduction within professional production workflows. Environmental performance will ultimately depend on the complete ink, printing, substrate, finishing and disposal system rather than the colour reference alone. Chip Saver is included for organising detached samples that are still required during an active project. Chips used in a presentation, supplier discussion or press approval can be stored securely instead of being left loose within project files. This supports a more organised workflow and reduces the risk of losing important colour references.
The replaceable ring-binder format is designed for continued professional use. Individual replacement pages are available separately when the six chips of a frequently specified colour have been consumed. Studios, packaging departments and printers can therefore replenish selected shades without replacing the complete 655-colour collection. Replacement pages retain the same loose-leaf format and provide six detachable chips for each represented colour. aging designers, the chip book supports palette development, mock-up creation, supplier briefing and press approval. Branding teams can communicate defined metallic identity colours across agencies and production partners. Graphic designers can integrate metallic samples into logos, publications and presentation systems, while print manufacturers can compare selected references with proofs and production results.
The collection also complements the traditional spot-colour palette of the PANTONE Formula Guide. Whereas the Formula Guide provides ink formulations for standard Pantone spot colours, the Metallics Chips Book offers detachable physical references for specialised metallic effects. It is therefore particularly valuable for teams that need to share, specify and approve metallic colours rather than simply browse them.
With 655 metallic shades, six removable chips per colour, coating examples, structured indexing and separately replaceable pages, the PANTONE Metallics Chips Book Coated connects creative colour development with practical production communication. It provides a reliable working system for creating luxurious, dynamic and technically informed metallic print applications.
Key Benefits
- Complete collection of 655 Pantone metallic spot colours
- 354 high-lustre Packaging Metallics
- 301 traditional metallic spot colours
- Includes 54 market-relevant metallic additions
- Six removable chips for every colour
- Seven Pantone colours presented on each page
- Individual chip format of approximately 3 × 2 cm
- Printed on 148 g/m² coated paper
- Three-sided colour bleed for direct comparison
- Chromatic arrangement for intuitive palette development
- Numerical indexes in the centre and back of the book
- Gloss aqueous and speciality coating examples
- Paper Chip Saver for organising loose samples
- Separately available replacement chip pages
- Ideal for packaging, branding, signage and print production
FAQ
How many colours are included in the PANTONE Metallics Chips Book?
The book contains 655 metallic spot colours: 354 high-lustre Packaging Metallics and 301 traditional Pantone metallic colours.
How many removable chips are supplied for each colour?
Each Pantone colour is represented by six perforated chips measuring approximately 3 × 2 cm. Every binder page contains seven colours.
Why are the chips printed only on coated paper?
The coated surface provides a suitable reference for displaying the density, clarity and reflective lustre of metallic spot inks used in graphic and packaging applications.
What can the removable metallic chips be used for?
They can be attached to mood boards, artwork, packaging mock-ups, technical specifications and approval documents or shared with clients, printers and suppliers.
Does the Metallics Chips Book include ink formulations?
No. Each colour is identified by its Pantone number, but the chip book is designed primarily for physical specification, sharing and evaluation rather than ink-formulation reference.
Can used metallic colour chips be replaced?
Yes. Individual replacement pages are available separately, allowing frequently used colours to be replenished without replacing the complete binder.