How often should I replace my Pantone books?

It is recommended to replace your Pantone books at least every 12-18 months. However this does depend on how you store and use them!

Store Pantone books away from light and dust and handle with clean hands to keep them in great condition for as long as possible.

Frequent use of Pantone books will cause deterioration. We recommend replacing sooner if you leave books open on your desk or at the end of the press.

Likewise, if you regularly travel to client meetings with the paper fan guides or smaller books like the Cotton Passport, these will need replacing more regularly than a master library copy stored in a locked cupboard at the studio.

Even when well looked after, replace your Pantone books regularly to take advantage of additions of new colours added or updates in ink recipe formulations. Most Pantone books are Guides to the colour, also consider using the same edition as your manufacturing site or your client. This will ensure everyone is looking at the same colour.

Some of the reasons for damage to the books can be found below – not to mention spilling your coffee or accidentally marking with a biro!

• Handling = smearing and removing pigment from natural oils on fingertips.
• Pages rubbing together = scratching or removing pigment.
• Light exposure = fading.
• Paper aging = yellowing effects.
• Ambient moisture = accelerated paper aging.
• Natural pigment expiration = faster, noticeable colour variation, especially in lighter and pastel colours.