The “primary colors” as we know them are red, yellow, and blue. According to traditional color theory, red, yellow, and blue are meant to serve as the fundamental colors that are the foundation for creating all other colors in the visible spectrum. This is known as the RYB color model. Other models which have been presented as primary colors include the additive color model used in displays and subtractive color models used in paper printing. The additive color model uses black as the background and emits (adds) color in light form rather than subtracting it. The basic colors in this model are Red, Green, and Blue. Subtractive color models on the other hand uses white as the background color and uses Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black.
The printing world has relied on variations of these colors. The common systems used include Pantone color matching system, the RAL color matching system, and the Coloro color system. All these systems, while good, leave color gaps and do not accurately represent colors in the printing world.
To solve this challenge, Boston Industrial Solutions, Inc. has created the Boston Color System (BCS) for signage, packaging, textiles, and industrial printing. This system uses twelve primary colors to accurately reproduce over 1,500 colors required for printing any background – light or dark.
The 12 Primary Colors Palette includes:
- 614 Lemon Yellow
- 618 Ochre
- 650 Bright Red
- 657 Carmine Red
- 658 Vermillion
- 651 Rubine Red
- 635 Ultra Blue
- 642 Ultra Violet
- 649 Ultra Green
- 370 Clear
- 310 White
- 300 Black
The Limitations of Traditional Color Theory
The traditional RYB color model was developed as a practical guide for artists mixing paints. While effective for painting applications, it was never intended to provide the color precision required by modern manufacturing, branding, promotional product decoration, or industrial printing.
Anyone who has attempted to reproduce a specific corporate color, match a product sample, or achieve highly saturated hues knows that mixing only red, yellow, and blue quickly reveals its limitations. Certain oranges lack vibrancy. Some greens appear dull. Deep violets and magentas can be difficult to reproduce accurately. Even subtle color shifts become noticeable when consistency is critical.
In industrial printing, “close enough” is often not good enough. Manufacturers, product decorators, and brand owners expect exact color matches across different substrates, production runs, and in any environment.
The Boston Color System (BCS):
The Boston Color System was developed to provide printers with a practical, repeatable, and highly accurate color formulation system. We use 12 strategic colors to achieve any color across the spectrum – with the exception of neons and metallics.
Color consistency is more than an aesthetic concern – it impacts product quality and brand recognition. With 12 carefully selected primary colors as its foundation, BCS delivers the flexibility, accuracy, and consistency needed to reproduce virtually any color for our customers.
Applications:
Boston Industrial Solutions, Inc. colors are widely used in the pad printing and screen printing industry across a wide range of substrates. Learn more about Boston Industrial Solutions screen and pad printing inks.
