When it comes to your dry transfers, the exact colour can matter. Whether you’re branding a prototype, restoring a vintage item or finishing a film prop, getting the colour right can make all the difference. That is why we offer a bespoke colour mixing service, allowing us to match your dry transfers as closely as possible to a Pantone® reference or supplied colour swatch.
Why is colour mixing needed
We offer a range of standard colours, but with thousands of Pantone® shades available across coated, uncoated and FHI / TPG ranges, we can’t hold every colour as a ready-mixed option. Instead, when a project requires a specific shade, our team can carefully mix inks by hand to achieve the closest possible match.
Colour perception is influenced by many factors, including surface type, finish, lighting conditions and its surroundings. For this reason, while we work to achieve the best possible match, it’s important to understand that an exact colour match can never be guaranteed.
Our colour mixing process
Our colour matching process is hands-on and highly skilled. It begins with your Pantone® reference or physical swatch, which we use as a guide. From there, we mix small quantities of ink using carefully measured amounts of base colours.
Each mix is tested and adjusted several times until the colour matches the reference as closely as possible. Test transfers are then checked under different lighting conditions, as colours can appear warmer or cooler depending on the light source. This careful testing helps ensure the final result looks right, not just on the workbench.
If you have an existing or previously produced item that needs matching, you can send it to us, and we’ll use it as a visual reference to achieve the closest match possible.
Finishes and colour
The chosen finish also plays a role in colour appearance. Matt (satin), gloss and foil finishes all reflect light differently, which can subtly affect how a colour looks. During the colour mixing stage, we always take the intended finish into account.
Foil colours can also be mixed to closely approximate a Pantone® reference if a standard foil isn’t suitable, although this may require additional time and testing.
Why there’s a colour mixing charge
Colour mixing is a time-intensive process, done by hand, that requires experience, testing and adjustment. For this reason, a £6 colour mixing charge* is applied to colours that need to be mixed specifically for your project. This covers the time spent creating, refining and testing your colour before production begins.
A tailored approach to every project
With over 20 years of experience producing dry transfers, our team understands how important colour consistency is across prototypes, models and finished pieces. If you’re unsure whether your project requires colour mixing or would like advice on finishes and colour references, our team is always happy to help.
Get in touch to discuss your requirements or explore our FAQs and blogs for more guidance on finishes, line weights and colours.
Katie@belsigns.com or call: 01403 255442
“I hadn’t had any dry transfers made before so it was a bit of a learning curve for me but Katie took me through the process very carefully and thoroughly and dealt with all of my requirements regarding the colour, size and scale of the lettering that I required very well. The transfer sheets arrived within 48 hours of ordering and were an excellent quality with sharp outlines and dense colours – and therefore very good value for money. I am delighted with them.“
Chris Gray
(*Colour charge correct January 2026, but is subject to change. Please check our Prices page for current details.)