What is Pantone color matching for trade show displays?

Pantone color matching — also called PMS matching — is a process that ensures the colors in your printed trade show display exactly match a specific Pantone (PMS) color code from the universal Pantone Matching System. Instead of relying on standard CMYK printing, PMS matching calibrates the print output to your exact brand color. This is especially important for fabric displays, SEG graphics, and banner stands where color consistency is critical.

Why do I need Pantone color matching for my booth graphics?

Most trade show exhibitors print multiple items — a backwall, a counter wrap, a banner stand, and a table cover — often on different materials and machines. Without PMS color matching, the same color can appear slightly different across each piece. Pantone matching ensures every printed element in your booth matches your official brand colors, regardless of the substrate or print method used.

What is the difference between CMYK and Pantone color matching?

CMYK is the standard four-color printing process used for most trade show graphics. It mixes four ink colors to approximate any color, but the result depends on the material, lighting, and printer calibration. Pantone (PMS) matching uses a standardized numbered color system — each PMS number corresponds to a precise ink formula, making it the industry standard for brand color accuracy.

How does All4Displays perform Pantone color matching?

When you add the Pantone Color Match service to your order, our print team prints a small test sample of your artwork and matches it to the physical Pantone color swatch. If the color needs adjustment, we calibrate the print output before running the full order. This process adds approximately 24 hours to standard production time.

Does Pantone color matching cost extra?

Yes. Pantone color matching is an add-on service with a per-color fee. It adds approximately 24 hours to production time. The service is available for all display types including backlit SEG graphics, tension fabric backwalls, banner stands, counter wraps, and table covers.

All Trade Show Display Guides

Every guide we have published, in one place. 49 articles covering trade show displays, booth layouts, backlit systems, outdoor events and how to choose between them.

Display buying guides

Trade Show Displays: Types, Prices and Sizes
Banner Stands: Prices, Sizes and Types Compared
Pop Up Displays: Prices, Sizes and Weights
Trade Show Counters and Podiums: Prices, Sizes, Weights
Trade Show Towers and Kiosks: Prices, Sizes and Types
Trade Show Hanging Banners: Shapes, Sizes and Prices
Tabletop Trade Show Displays: Types, Tips and Prices
Literature Racks and Brochure Holders for Trade Shows
Retail and Merchandising Displays: SEG Frames for Stores
Trade Show Booth Lighting: Costs, Options and Ideas

Backlit and lightbox displays

How Much Do Backlit Trade Show Displays Cost?
10x10 Backlit Trade Show Displays: Types and Top Picks
What Are SEG Lightbox Displays?
Backlit SEG Fabric Displays for Trade Shows and Events
LED Backlit Trade Show Tower Displays
Backlit Trade Show Towers and Columns
Best 10 ft Backlit Display Ideas

Booth sizes and layouts

Top 5 Modular Display Systems for 10x10 Booths
10x20 Trade Show Booth Ideas: Layouts, Costs and Weights
10 ft Trade Show Booth Ideas to Stand Out
How to Make a 10x10 or 10x20 Booth
Pop Up Booth Ideas for Small Business Trade Shows
Trade Show Booth Displays and Supplies
Top Trade Show Display Ideas to Elevate Your Brand
Maximize Your Trade Show Success with Effective Displays

Comparisons: how to choose

Pop Up vs Tension Fabric vs SEG Displays
Rotating Display Stand vs Static Display
Telescopic vs Retractable Banner Stands

Displays by industry and event

FLIBS Booth Display Guide for Boat Show Exhibitors
Cosmoprof North America: Essential Booth Displays
MINExpo Display Solutions
IMEX America: Tips to Create the Best Booth
IMTS Premium Display Solutions
Jewelry Rotating Display Turntables
Custom Tension Fabric Counters for Pop Up Events
Skytube Circle Hanging Banners for Supermarket Campaigns
Supermarket Advertising with Hanging Banners
Custom Banners for Movie Premieres and Festivals
Literature Exhibitions and Book Presentations
Trade Show Booth Towers

Outdoor events and seasonal

The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Tents
Banners, Flags and Counters for Events
Branded Flags for Events
Thanksgiving Display and Banner Ideas
Christmas Display Ideas for Winter Events

Strategy, calendar and offers

Color Psychology to Drive Trade Show Sales
Upcoming Trade Show Calendar
Labor Day Sale on Trade Show Booths and Displays
Exclusive Deals for Members of Miami Moms

Need help choosing?

Call (754) 444-8384 or email sales@all4displays.com and tell us your booth size and show date.