The PANTONE Solid Chips Coated & Uncoated set is a comprehensive professional colour reference for graphic design, branding, packaging and print production. Presented in two practical ring binders, the set contains 2,390 Pantone spot colours reproduced on both coated and uncoated paper. Each colour is supplied in a removable chip format, allowing creative and technical teams to select, compare, present and communicate precise colour intentions throughout the design and production process.
The current edition incorporates 224 new market-relevant mixed colours and five additional base inks, expanding the Pantone Graphics System with 229 additions in total. The broader colour range gives designers access to more nuanced neutrals, vivid shades, intermediate tones and contemporary colour directions while maintaining the internationally recognised structure of the Pantone Matching System.
One binder presents the colours on coated stock and the second shows the same Pantone spot colours on uncoated paper. This distinction is essential because the appearance of a printing ink changes according to the surface, absorbency and finish of the substrate. A colour printed on smooth coated paper can appear brighter, sharper and more saturated, while the same ink formulation may look softer or more muted on uncoated stock.
Viewing both versions helps designers and print professionals evaluate these material-dependent differences before a colour is specified. Pantone colour references should therefore always include the relevant suffix: C for coated or U for uncoated. The two-book structure makes these variations immediately visible and supports more informed decisions for packaging, stationery, publications, labels, corporate design and other printed applications.
Each binder page presents up to seven colours, with six detachable chips available for every shade. The individual chips measure approximately 2 × 3 cm and are printed with the corresponding Pantone colour designation. Their perforated format allows them to be removed cleanly and used wherever a physical colour sample is required.
Designers can build custom colour palettes, develop mood boards or attach chips directly to artwork, packaging mock-ups, product specifications and presentation materials. A selected chip can also be sent to a printer, supplier, brand partner or production facility, providing a tangible reference for the intended spot colour rather than relying exclusively on screen displays, office printouts or subjective verbal descriptions.
The colour extends to three edges of each removable chip. This three-sided bleed makes comparison easier because a chip can be positioned directly against a printed sample without a surrounding white border interfering with the evaluation. It is particularly useful during proof reviews, press checks, supplier approvals and colour-matching discussions where small visual differences can affect the final result.
The colours are predominantly arranged in chromatic order, moving through related colour families and tonal ranges. This supports intuitive creative exploration and allows users to compare neighbouring shades quickly. The page sequence corresponds to the current Pantone Formula Guides, enabling professionals who use both tools to move efficiently between the portable fan guides and the removable desktop chip system.
A numerical index provides an additional route for locating colours by their Pantone number. New colour pages are positioned prominently within the books, making the latest additions easy to identify. This combination of chromatic organisation and numerical navigation supports both inspiration-led design work and technically focused colour specification.
The chips are printed on standard coated and uncoated paper weights selected to reflect commonly used printing substrates. Pantone spot colours are produced with a consistent ink film thickness, providing a controlled physical reference for comparison and press matching. The set does not display ink mixing recipes on the individual chips; professionals who require Pantone base-ink formulations should use the corresponding Formula Guide alongside the Solid Chips books.
Replaceable three-ring binder pages extend the practical working life of the set. Frequently used colours can be replenished individually when the removable chips have been consumed, without replacing the complete collection. Damaged or outdated pages can also be exchanged, helping studios and print departments maintain an organised and usable professional colour library.
For branding and corporate identity, the removable Pantone colour chips provide a clear way to communicate approved brand colours to agencies, printers and production partners. Packaging teams can use them to coordinate colours across cartons, labels, inserts and promotional materials. Graphic designers can integrate physical references into presentations and design files, while printers can use the chips during proof evaluation and press checks.
The set is equally valuable for product development and industrial manufacturing whenever printed colour forms part of the product experience. Instructions, control panels, labels, decorative graphics and branded components can all require reliable communication between design, sourcing and production. A recognised Pantone colour specification gives international partners a shared point of reference, reducing ambiguity across different locations and workflows.
Digital colour values remain important for screen-based design, but monitors and office printers cannot be relied upon as definitive representations of a Pantone spot colour. The PANTONE Solid Chips Coated & Uncoated set connects digital creative work with a physical printed standard. It enables professionals to move from initial inspiration and palette development to colour specification, sample review and production approval with greater clarity.
With 2,390 spot colours, six removable chips per shade and two substrate-specific versions, the set is designed for serious colour-critical work. It combines an extensive Pantone colour library with the practical flexibility required by designers, brand owners, packaging specialists, printers and international production teams.
Key Benefits
- Two ring binders: Solid Coated and Solid Uncoated
- 2,390 Pantone spot colours on both paper grades
- 224 new mixed colours plus five new base inks
- Six removable chips for each Pantone colour
- Up to seven colours presented on every page
- Individual chips measuring approximately 2 × 3 cm
- Three-sided colour bleed for direct sample comparison
- Chromatic organisation aligned with the Formula Guides
- Numerical colour index for efficient navigation
- Replaceable pages for replenishing frequently used chips
- Supports mood boards, palettes and design presentations
- Ideal for colour specification, proofing and press checks
- Professional reference for print, packaging and branding
- Facilitates international colour communication
FAQ
What is included in the PANTONE Solid Chips Coated & Uncoated set?
The set contains two ring-bound books presenting 2,390 Pantone spot colours. One book is printed on coated paper and the other on uncoated paper.
Why are coated and uncoated versions required?
The same printing ink can look different depending on the paper surface. Coated stock generally produces a brighter and more saturated appearance, while uncoated paper absorbs more ink and can create a softer result.
How many removable chips are provided for each colour?
Each Pantone colour is supplied with six detachable paper chips. Up to seven different colours are presented on each binder page.
What can the removable Pantone chips be used for?
They can be used for palette development, mood boards, artwork, packaging mock-ups, colour specifications, supplier communication, proof evaluation and press checks.
Does the Solid Chips set include Pantone ink mixing formulas?
No. The chips display the Pantone colour designations but not the base-ink mixing recipes. The corresponding Pantone Formula Guide is required for formulation information.
Can used colour chips and damaged pages be replaced?
Yes. Individual replacement pages can be ordered separately, allowing frequently used colours to be replenished without purchasing a completely new set.