Getting that perfect neon pop in your designs for SupaNeon starts long before the transfer hits the garment. The secret? Proper color setup in your design software. Whether you're working in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or CorelDraw, this guide will walk you through the exact steps to ensure your SupaNeon colors are vibrant, accurate, and production-ready.
Understanding SupaNeon Color Matching
Before diving into the technical setup, it's crucial to understand that SupaNeon colors are similar to but may not exactly match standard Pantone colors. Here's what you're working with:
- SupaNeon Green ≈ PMS 802C
- SupaNeon Yellow ≈ PMS 803C
- SupaNeon Orange ≈ PMS 804C
- SupaNeon Pink ≈ PMS 805C
The key word here is "similar." While these Pantone references give you a starting point for color selection in your design software, the final printed result will have that distinctive neon intensity that makes SupaNeon special.
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Setting Up Your Color Swatches
Adobe Illustrator Setup
Step 1: Create Custom Swatches
- Open your Swatches panel (Window > Swatches)
- Click the "New Swatch" button
- Set Color Type to "Spot Color"
- Set Color Mode to "CMYK" initially for reference
- Name your swatch clearly (e.g., "SupaNeon Green - 802C")
Step 2: Configure Each Neon Color
For SupaNeon Green (PMS 802C equivalent):
- Create a new spot color swatch
- Use approximate CMYK values: C:45 M:0 Y:100 K:0
- Name: "SupaNeon Green"
- Color Type: Spot Color
For SupaNeon Yellow (PMS 803C equivalent):
- Create a new spot color swatch
- Use approximate CMYK values: C:0 M:0 Y:100 K:0
- Name: "SupaNeon Yellow"
- Color Type: Spot Color
For SupaNeon Orange (PMS 804C equivalent):
- Create a new spot color swatch
- Use approximate CMYK values: C:0 M:50 Y:100 K:0
- Name: "SupaNeon Orange"
- Color Type: Spot Color
For SupaNeon Pink (PMS 805C equivalent):
- Create a new spot color swatch
- Use approximate CMYK values: C:0 M:100 Y:0 K:0
- Name: "SupaNeon Pink"
- Color Type: Spot Color
Adobe Photoshop Setup
Step 1: Work in CMYK Color Mode
- Create new document or convert existing (Image > Mode > CMYK Color)
- Open the Swatches panel (Window > Swatches)
Step 2: Create Custom Swatches
- Click the "Create New Swatch" icon
- Set Color Type to "Spot Color"
- Use the same CMYK approximations as listed above
- Name each swatch clearly
Pro Tip: Save your custom swatches as a swatch library that you can load for future SupaNeon projects.
CorelDRAW Setup
Step 1: Access the Color Palette
- Open the Color Palette Docker (Window > Color Palettes > Default CMYK Palette)
- Right-click in an empty area of the color palette
- Select "New Palette" to create a custom SupaNeon palette
Step 2: Create Spot Colors
- Right-click in your new palette and select "New Color"
- In the Select Color dialog, choose the "Palette" tab
- Set Color Model to "CMYK"
- Check the Spot Color option
- Use the same CMYK approximations as listed above
- Name each color clearly (e.g., "SupaNeon Green - 802C")
- Click "Add to Palette"
Step 3: Save Your Custom Palette
- Right-click on your palette tab
- Select "Save As" and name it "SupaNeon Colors"
- This palette can now be loaded for future projects
Pro Tip: In CorelDRAW, you can also access Pantone colors directly through the Color Palette Docker by selecting "Pantone+ Solid Coated" and finding PMS 802C-805C as starting references.
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Design Guidelines for Optimal Results
Line Width Requirements
- Minimum line width: 0.3mm (approximately 0.85 points)
- Anything thinner may not transfer properly
- For text, use bold fonts or increase stroke weight
What Works with SupaNeon
✅ Recommended Applications:
- Solid color fills
- Bold typography
- Simple graphic elements
- Accent colors in full-color designs
- Combination with metallic inks (up to 28 colors)
❌ Avoid These Applications:
- Gradients or fade effects
- Multiple neon colors in one transfer
- Combination with reflective inks
- Fine details under 0.3mm
- Halftone patterns
File Preparation Best Practices
Vector Graphics (Illustrator):
- Keep neon elements as vector shapes when possible
- Use spot colors, not process colors
- Expand any strokes to outlines before final export
- Ensure all neon elements are on separate layers
Raster Graphics (Photoshop):
- Work at 300 DPI minimum
- Use spot color channels for neon elements
- Avoid compression that might affect color accuracy
- Keep neon elements on separate layers
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Color Proofing and Communication
Setting Client Expectations
Since SupaNeon colors don't match Pantone colors exactly, it's important to:
- Show physical samples when possible
- Explain the limitation upfront in your proposals
- Use the phrase "SupaNeon approximates PMS 802C-805C"
- Focus on the effect rather than exact color matching
Creating Accurate Mockups
When creating mockups for client approval:
- Use vibrant, saturated colors that suggest neon intensity
- Add subtle glow effects to simulate the neon appearance
- Include a disclaimer about final color variations
- Show the design on both light and dark garments
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File Export and Submission
For Vector Files
- File Format: PDF, AI, or EPS
- Color Mode: CMYK with spot colors
- Resolution: Vector (scalable)
- Layers: Keep neon elements separate and clearly labeled
For Raster Files
- File Format: PNG, PSD, or TIFF
- Color Mode: CMYK with spot channels
- Resolution: 300 DPI minimum
- Layers: Separate layers for each color
Submission Checklist
Before sending your artwork:
- All neon colors are set as spot colors
- Minimum line widths meet 0.3mm requirement
- No gradients or multiple neon colors in design
- Files are properly labeled and organized
- Color intentions are clearly communicated
- Garment type specified (cotton/polycotton vs polyester)
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Troubleshooting Common Issues
Issue: Colors look dull on screen
Solution: This is normal - neon inks are much more vibrant than screen display
Issue: Client wants exact Pantone match
Solution: Explain SupaNeon's unique properties and show physical samples
Issue: Fine details disappearing
Solution: Increase line weights or simplify design elements
Issue: Neon not popping on dark garments
Solution: Specify Neon Blocker for polyester or dye-migration prone fabrics
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Working with Different Garment Types
Cotton and Polycotton Garments
- Product: Neon Wearable
- Preparation: Standard spot color setup
- Considerations: Colors will be vibrant on both light and dark garments
Polyester and Dye-Migration Fabrics
- Product: Neon Blocker
- Preparation: Same color setup, but specify blocker base
- Considerations: Extra important for colors to "pop" properly
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Advanced Techniques
Combining Neon with Other Elements
- With Full Color + Neon: Use neon as accent color in full-color designs. Be sure to specify in your notes which color will be neon
- With SupaMetallic + Neon: Create stunning contrast effects between neon colors and matte metallic elements. Be sure to specify in your notes which color will be neon and which colors will be SupaMetallic
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Final Tips for Success
- Test Early: Create small test prints to verify color and effect
- Communicate Clearly: Always specify which SupaNeon color you're using and whether if it's single color, spot color in a full-color design, or with SupaMetallic.
- Plan Production Time: Allow 2-3 business days for SupaNeon orders
- Order Minimums: Remember the 20-unit minimum for neon transfers
- Stay Updated: Follow SupaNeon guidelines for any specification changes
Remember: when in doubt, reach out to our team at hello@supacolor.com.
Our world-class service means we're always ready to help you make it.