Why Website Colors Look Different From Received Products?

Understanding RGB and CMYK

You've likely experienced the moment when the actual color of a product you received didn't quite match the vibrant hue you saw on the website. Don't worry, this is a perfectly normal occurrence rooted in the fundamental difference between two color systems: RGB (used for electronic displays) and CMYK (used for printing). This article will clarify this distinction, and we'll also provide helpful guidance for when you encounter this situation.

The RGB Color System - The World of Light on Your Screen

RGB stands for Red, Green, and Blue. It's an additive color system, operating on the principle of light emission. Computer screens, smartphones, TVs, etc., generate colors by combining varying intensities of these three primary colors. When all three colors are mixed at maximum intensity, we perceive white. Conversely, the absence of all three colors results in black.

The RGB color system boasts a wide color range (gamut), particularly excelling in displaying bright and vivid colors. This is why images on screens often appear so captivating and lively.

The CMYK Color System - The World of Ink in Printing

CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key/Black. It's a subtractive color system, functioning based on the principle of light absorption. In printing, CMYK inks are applied to paper. White light shines on the paper, and a portion is absorbed by the inks, while the remaining light is reflected back to our eyes, creating color. Mixing all four CMYK colors at maximum proportions theoretically yields black (in practice, it often results in a dark brown, necessitating the addition of black ink). The absence of all inks leaves the paper white.

The CMYK color system has a narrower color gamut compared to RGB, especially when it comes to reproducing bright and neon colors. Consequently, some of the vibrant colors you see on your screen may not be accurately printable.

The Fundamental Difference and Why Colors Deviate?

The biggest difference lies in how colors are created:

• RGB (Light): Colors are created by adding colors together.
• CMYK (Pigment): Colors are created by absorbing colors from white light.

Due to this fundamental difference, some colors that display well on an RGB screen simply cannot be accurately reproduced using the CMYK system. For example:

• Neon and bright, vibrant colors: It's very difficult to print neon colors or intensely bright colors like vivid green or bright pink that you see on the screen.
• White and black: In RGB, white is the combination of all colors, and black is the absence of color. In CMYK, white is the color of the paper, and black is the combination of all inks (or black inks)

In addition, color differences can also be affected by other factors such as:

• Screen settings: Each screen may display colors differently depending on brightness, contrast, and color calibration settings.
• Fabrics and ink type: Different fabric materials and ink types will also affect the final color of the printed product.
• Printing process: Factors in the printing process can also cause color deviations.

Guidance and Support for Customers Regarding Color Differences:

To ensure the best possible experience and address any concerns upon receiving your order, we offer the following guidance and support:

1. Understand that some difference is expected: We always strive to display product colors as accurately as possible on our website. However, due to the inherent differences between the RGB and CMYK color systems, a slight variation between the colors on your screen and the actual printed product is possible.
2. View on multiple devices: Colors can appear differently on various screens. Try viewing the product on multiple devices (computer, smartphone) to get a more comprehensive understanding.
3. Carefully read the product description: We always provide detailed color descriptions in the product information section. Please review this carefully to get a better idea of the actual color.
4. Contact our customer support: If you feel the color of the product you received differs significantly from the website image and doesn't match the description, please don't hesitate to contact our customer support team via this email support@polynesianpride.co. Please provide images of the product you received so we can assess and assist you best.
5. Consider lighting conditions: Different lighting can affect how you perceive color. Examine the product under various lighting conditions before making an assessment.

*Additionally, to help you feel completely secure about the color of your product after ordering, we offer a special process:

After you complete your order, our customer service team will contact you once your product has been manufactured. At this point, we will provide real images of the finished product for you to review and ensure that the colors meet your requirements before we proceed with shipping.

Steps to follow:

1. Place your order for the product you love on our website.
2. After production is complete, our customer service team will contact you via [email/phone number] you provided.
3. We will send real images of the printed product for your consideration.
4. You have the right to confirm if the product colors meet your expectations.
5. Once you confirm, we will proceed with shipping to your address.