The color navy blue is a very popular color for printing projects. Knowing the correct color code to use is important to ensure accurate color matching and reproduction. This article will provide the specific color codes for navy blue that are ideal for printing applications.
Defining Navy Blue
Navy blue refers to a dark shade of the color blue which got its name from the dark blue uniforms worn by officers in the British Royal Navy. It sits between the lighter sky blue and the darker midnight blue on the color spectrum. Navy blue is a somewhat desaturated dark blue color that often has a slight reddish or purplish tint to it as well.
Over the years, navy blue has become associated with qualities like authority, stability, unity, and loyalty. It’s widely used in uniforms, corporate logos, institutional banners, and more. The color evokes a sense of trust and honesty.
Color Models for Digital Printing
When working with digital printing, there are two main color models used to represent colors – RGB (red, green, blue) and CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black).
RGB is an additive color model used for on-screen display while CMYK is a subtractive model used for print production. Printers use mixtures of CMYK inks to reproduce a wide range of colors. The percentages of each ink can be specified to produce precise shades.
For the highest print quality, the CMYK color model should be used when preparing navy blue artwork intended for commercial printing. The RGB values can be useful for mockups or proofs but the final production files should contain CMYK specifications.
CMYK Values for Navy Blue
Here are some commonly used CMYK color codes for representing navy blue:
| Cyan | Magenta | Yellow | Black |
| 100 | 90 | 0 | 60 |
| 100 | 80 | 10 | 55 |
| 90 | 70 | 0 | 50 |
| 80 | 70 | 10 | 40 |
As you can see, navy blue is created by combining high percentages of cyan and magenta ink with smaller amounts of black ink. The exact recipe can be tweaked based on the specific navy blue shade you are trying to achieve.
The first CMYK combination shown creates a very dark navy that has a touch of purple to it. Using slightly less cyan and magenta ink produces a medium-dark navy blue. The last code with low cyan and magenta makes for a lighter, muted navy tone.
Comparing RGB Values
While CMYK is preferred for final print production, looking at RGB approximations can be helpful for mockups and proofs. Here are some common RGB values for navy blue:
| Red | Green | Blue |
| 0 | 31 | 63 |
| 0 | 35 | 87 |
| 0 | 35 | 102 |
| 0 | 51 | 102 |
A dark navy blue contains very low amounts of red and green with higher blue values. As the navy gets lighter, the green and blue components increase. The RGB and CMYK versions of the same navy blue shade will not match exactly but should be reasonably close.
Spot Color Matching Systems
For precise color matching across different printers and inks, spot color systems are often used. The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is the most popular spot color standard. Rather than using CMYK percentages, a specific premixed ink is specified.
These are some Pantone colors that approximate navy blue:
- PMS 280
- PMS 281
- PMS 282
- PMS 283
- PMS 2766
PMS 280 is the darkest navy while PMS 283 is lighter. The Pantone colors allow for consistent, predictable color reproduction across different printing techniques and materials.
Using Navy Blue for Packaging
Navy blue can be very attractive and effective when used for product packaging. It has an upscale, sleek look. Navy evokes feelings of trust and honesty making it appealing for financial, corporate, or technical brands.
When designing packaging, use a CMYK color code like 100/80/10/40 for a rich, bold navy. Make sure to specify spot colors like PMS 282 if the packaging will be printed on different presses or at multiple print facilities. This ensures the navy blue will not vary between production runs.
Consider complementing the navy blue with crisp white, cream, or light tan colors for a clean, classic package look. Accent colors like bright yellow, red, or teal can provide striking contrast and visual interest against the darker navy background.
Using Navy Blue for Reports
Navy blue is also a great choice for formal business reports and presentations. It has an authoritative, professional look suited for corporate, financial, and legal contexts. But navy blue maintains enough warmth to seem inviting and approachable as well.
When formatting a report, use a rich navy blue for title pages, section dividers, and any decorative frames or boxes. A CMYK value like 90/80/30/50 provides a pleasant navy shade without being overpowering. For body text, black or dark gray are best for legibility.
To prevent navy blue backgrounds from seeming too dark, pair them with plenty of white space along with lighter text colors like gray or tan. Add visual interest by incorporating accent colors like yellow, chartreuse, or sky blue in graphs or data visualizations set against the navy backdrops.
Best Uses for Navy Blue Printing
Here are some of the most effective uses for navy blue when printing marketing or informational materials:
- Corporate brochures, pamphlets, catalogs
- Financial reports, legal documents
- Technical manuals, instruction guides
- Product packaging
- Event programs, invitations
- Signage, banners, displays
- Presentations, handouts
- Website graphics
Navy blue adds an air of competence and reliability to any printed piece. For a flexible shade that works for a wide range of contexts, use a CMYK value in the range of 80/70/30/50 or 100/80/30/50.
Avoiding Issues with Navy Blue
When working with navy blue, there are a few potential issues to keep in mind:
- Avoid using too much cyan ink which can oversaturate the color.
- Make sure dark navy shades have enough contrast against lighter backgrounds.
- Watch for metamerism where the navy appears to shift between proof and final print.
- Don’t assume RGB or Pantone equivalents will perfectly match CMYK.
- Request press proofs to check for vibrancy and consistency.
Testing out a few CMYK and Pantone combinations on the actual printing press can help narrow in on the optimal navy blue color code before a full production run.
Conclusion
Navy blue is a versatile, professional color choice for a wide variety of printing applications. For a traditional navy look, use CMYK builds with high cyan and magenta components or equivalent Pantone spot inks. Stay in the range of 80/70/30/50 to 100/90/0/60 for attractive results across different paper stocks and printing techniques.
With its authoritative yet approachable vibe, navy blue sets the perfect tone for corporate, financial, technical, and legal printed materials. Just maintain enough contrast against lighter elements and watch for potential metamerism issues between proofs and final output.
By following the color code recommendations provided, you can achieve beautiful, professional navy blue printing results.