The Colour Accuracy of Expanded Gamut Printing

The purpose of this project is to determine whether using spot colours or seven colour (7/C) process colours will result in a more accurate colour reproduction. To do so, the L*a*b* values of twelve (12) spot colours from the Pantone Formula Guide and twelve (12) corresponding expanded gamut colours from the Pantone Extended Gamut Guide will be measured and compared to their appropriate reference L*a*b* values in Photoshop to determine the difference in colour (Delta E) between samples and references. The resulting CIEDE2000 values will then be compared and analyzed to determine which printing method creates the most colour accurate reproductions. Using the results of this testing, this report will provide a greater understanding of the abilities and limitations of each of these two printing methods as it relates to colour management and will make recommendations regarding the application of each going forward.