The first thing people notice on a rubber label is its colour. A brand colour that looks right on the label affects the whole identity of the product. Yet a colour seen on screen and the colour achieved in flexible PVC are not always perceived as identical. Here we explain how colours are worked on rubber labels, what to watch and how colour approval works.
How colour is created on a rubber label
On a rubber label, technically a soft PVC label, colour comes from the material itself rather than printing. Each colour is filled into its allotted area of the mould, which keeps boundaries clean and puts the colour inside the material rather than on the surface. We use a phthalate-free formula for our rubber labels.
Referencing with Pantone
The most practical way to match colours is to define them with a colour system code such as Pantone. Screen colours vary between devices, so RGB or HEX values alone may not be a reliable reference. A Pantone code makes sure we are talking about the same colour. If your identity guidelines contain colour codes, simply share them; colours are worked in tones close to those codes and presented for approval.
Number of colours and design
A rubber label can use several colours, but as the number grows, each colour’s area must be wide enough. Giving a very thin line its own colour can be hard at small sizes, so for multi-colour designs we review colour areas at real size together and suggest simplification if needed.
Contrast and legibility
Colour contrast between logo and base directly affects legibility. A light logo on a dark base, or the reverse, makes the logo readable from a distance. The relief already adds depth; contrast reinforces it. The fabric colour matters too: a label base in the same tone as the fabric can disappear, while a clear difference makes it stand out.
Tone-on-tone labels
Some brands want the label to blend with the product. On tone-on-tone labels, logo and base are worked in shades of one colour or the same colour, and the logo reads through relief alone. This gives a quiet, premium, modern look, and relief height and surface texture become even more important for legibility.
Colour variations across a collection
One label design can be prepared in several colourways for different fabric colours, for example the same logo in three combinations for navy, black and beige products. Planning variations early helps both visual consistency and order management.
The colour approval process
- You share your colour codes and design.
- We review the design and colour areas and send our notes.
- The final colours and design are presented for your approval.
- After approval, mould preparation and production are planned.
The effect of light and surface
The same colour can look different under different light: shop lighting, daylight and photo lighting can all shift how a label appears. Raised areas also reflect light differently, so one colour may look slightly different on logo and base. Assessing colour in daylight, next to the product’s own fabric, gives the most realistic result.
Sharing a small swatch of the product’s fabric also helps, so the contrast or harmony between label and fabric can be judged in real conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Can metallic or neon colours be used?
Special colour requests are reviewed according to the design and application. Share the effect you want and a reference, and we will discuss it.
Why can the label look different from the screen?
Screens emit light, while the label reflects it; relief and surface texture also affect perception. A physical reference such as Pantone is therefore more reliable.
Conclusion
A correct colour reference and a clear approval process help a rubber label reflect your brand colours. See our models on the soft PVC rubber labels page and send your design and colour codes through our quote form.