The PANTONE Pastels & Neons Guide Coated & Uncoated expands professional print colour development beyond conventional solid shades. It brings together 210 specialty Pantone spot colours in one compact fan deck: 154 refined pastels and 56 high-impact neons, each reproduced on coated and uncoated paper. Developed for graphic design, branding, packaging, marketing and print production, the guide provides a physical reference for selecting, specifying and communicating colours with a distinctive visual presence. perform different yet complementary creative functions. Pantone pastels introduce softness, lightness and subtle tonal differentiation while retaining the precision of a defined spot colour. They are particularly relevant for premium packaging, identity systems, editorial design and communication concepts that require a restrained colour statement. Pantone neons use vivid fluorescent colour characteristics to create visibility, energy and immediate impact in promotional graphics, labels, event materials and attention-focused packaging.
These specialty spot colours broaden and complement the Pantone Formula Guide. They provide additional possibilities where standard process colours or conventional solid shades cannot deliver the intended appearance. Because delicate pastels and fluorescent colours can be difficult to judge reliably on an ordinary monitor or office printout, the physical guide creates an essential connection between digital design and the final printed result.
Designers, brand owners, clients and printers can refer to the same defined Pantone colour instead of relying on subjective colour descriptions or device-dependent simulations. This shared reference supports more accurate colour communication from initial concept and presentation through prepress, proofing and final production.
Every colour is displayed on both coated and uncoated paper. The coated reference appears before its corresponding uncoated version. This comparison is technically important because paper surface, finish and absorbency influence the appearance of printed ink. Coated stock generally creates a cleaner and more concentrated colour impression, while uncoated paper may produce a softer or more subdued result. rect C or U reference helps ensure that colour decisions relate to the intended printing substrate. Packaging designers can therefore evaluate whether a selected pastel or neon supports the required appearance on coated cartons, uncoated papers, labels or printed communication materials before production begins.
Each colour field measures approximately 4.3 × 2 cm, providing a generous visual area for comparison and assessment. The closed fan deck measures approximately 23.5 × 4.3 cm. Its compact format is suitable for studio work, supplier meetings, client presentations and press checks, while the fan construction allows several related shades to be opened and viewed together. ranged with the pastel section before the neons and organised chromatically for intuitive navigation. Coated versions precede the uncoated references, while an index at the back of the guide identifies the numerical position of every colour. This structure supports both exploratory palette development and the direct retrieval of an established Pantone number.
Every swatch is clearly labelled with its Pantone reference and corresponding ink formulation. The printed formulas connect the visual colour standard with the technical requirements of spot-colour production. Designers can specify a recognised colour, while printers receive the formulation information required to prepare and reproduce the intended specialty ink. s based on seven pastel base colours, while the neon section incorporates seven fluorescent base colours. These bases are also included as independent design colours. The guide therefore combines colour inspiration with practical production information and helps maintain continuity between creative selection, artwork preparation and print manufacturing.
An integrated metamerism checker supports the assessment of ambient lighting against D50 viewing conditions. D50 is the daylight reference commonly used for evaluating colour in printing and the graphic arts. As unsuitable illumination can make printed colours appear warmer, cooler or otherwise altered, the checker provides a useful reminder to assess critical colour choices under appropriate viewing conditions. reative direction, the guide supports the development of distinctive colour identities, campaign systems and visual hierarchies. Packaging teams can create soft premium palettes, fluorescent shelf-impact accents or expressive contrasts between restrained and energetic tones. Graphic designers can develop logos, publications and marketing materials with colours intended to extend beyond standard print palettes.
Print manufacturers and production specialists can use the guide to communicate ink intent, assess the influence of different paper stocks and reduce ambiguity during proofing and approval. Product-development teams can apply the same colour language to labels, printed components, instructions and branded graphics, while international partners gain a recognised reference for discussing and matching colour.
The PANTONE Pastels & Neons Guide Coated & Uncoated is both an inspirational palette and a professional colour communication tool. By combining 210 contemporary specialty spot colours, coated and uncoated references, printed formulas, structured navigation and portable handling, it provides a reliable foundation for more expressive and accurately specified print work.
Key Benefits
- 210 Pantone specialty spot colours in one compact fan deck
- 154 soft pastel colours and 56 vivid neon colours
- Every colour presented on coated and uncoated paper
- Pantone number and ink formulation shown with each colour
- Seven pastel and seven fluorescent base colours included
- Chromatic arrangement for intuitive colour selection
- Coated references positioned before uncoated versions
- Numerical index for locating colours efficiently
- Colour fields measuring approximately 4.3 × 2 cm
- Portable fan format measuring approximately 23.5 × 4.3 cm
- Integrated checker for evaluating D50 viewing conditions
- Broadens and complements the Pantone Formula Guide
- Suitable for branding, packaging, marketing and graphic design
- Supports professional communication with printers and suppliers
FAQ
How many colours are included in the PANTONE Pastels & Neons Guide?
The guide contains 210 specialty spot colours: 154 pastel shades and 56 neon or fluorescent colours.
Are the colours shown on coated and uncoated paper?
Yes. Every colour is presented on both paper types so users can assess how the printing substrate influences its appearance.
Does the guide include ink formulations?
Yes. Each swatch displays its Pantone number and the corresponding ink formulation for professional spot-colour production.
What can the PANTONE Pastels & Neons Guide be used for?
It is designed for colour selection and specification in branding, logos, packaging, marketing materials, publications and other print applications.
What is the purpose of the D50 lighting checker?
It helps users determine whether the ambient illumination is suitable for assessing printed colour under D50 graphic-arts viewing conditions.
Does this guide replace the Pantone Formula Guide?
No. It broadens and complements the Formula Guide with pastel and neon specialty spot colours that provide additional creative and production possibilities.