Picking the right colors is where a good custom print becomes a great one. At N.O. Vative Printing in Metairie, we help New Orleans businesses, schools, teams and events choose ink, thread and garment colors that look sharp and stay true wash after wash. Use this guide as a starting point, then call us at (504) 309-9683 and we will match your exact colors before we ever hit “print.”

Screen Printing Ink Colors & Pantone (PMS) Matching

Our screen printing uses durable plastisol inks that we can mix to virtually any shade. We color-match to the Pantone Matching System (PMS), so if your brand uses a specific Pantone number, we can reproduce it consistently across shirts, hoodies and bags. A few things worth knowing:

• Give us your Pantone (PMS) numbers if you have a brand guide, it is the most reliable way to keep colors identical from one order to the next.
• Garment color changes ink color. On dark shirts we print a white underbase first so your colors stay bright instead of soaking in and looking dull.
• Neon, metallic, and specialty inks (puff, high-density, glow) are available for a bolder look.

Embroidery Thread Colors

For custom embroidery on polos, caps, jackets and bags, we stitch with premium polyester threads (Madeira and Isacord families) available in hundreds of colors, including metallics and neons. Thread colors are identified by number, so once we lock in your logo colors, every reorder matches perfectly. Popular color families include:

• Whites & neutrals, bright white, cream, tan, grey, black.
• Reds & oranges, scarlet, cardinal, burgundy, orange, gold.
• Blues & greens, royal, navy, teal, kelly, forest, lime.
• Purples, pinks & metallics, purple, magenta, silver, gold metallic.

Bring us your logo and we will match the thread to your brand colors. If your artwork has a Pantone reference, even better, we will get as close as thread allows and show you a sew-out or proof first.

Apparel & Garment Colors

The color options you have also depend on the blank garment. We print on trusted brands like Gildan, Bella+Canvas, Next Level, Comfort Colors, Port & Company and more, each offering dozens of stock colors in tees, long sleeves, hoodies and performance wear. Not sure what will look best? Come by our Metairie showroom to touch and feel the exact product and see colors in person.

How to Choose Colors That Pop

• Contrast is everything. Light designs on dark garments (and vice versa) read best from a distance, great for team shirts and event staff.
• Limit ink colors to control cost. Each screen-print color is a separate screen; a clean 1-3 color design is often more striking and more affordable.
• Match embroidery to fabric. Tonal thread (a shade near the garment color) looks premium; high-contrast thread makes a logo pop.

Color Chart FAQ

Can you match my exact brand color? Yes. Send your Pantone (PMS) numbers or your logo files and we will color-match ink and thread as closely as the process allows, then confirm with a proof.

What file should I send? Vector files (AI, EPS, PDF) are best for clean color separation. See our FAQ for full file guidelines, or start your design with us.

Will my colors look the same on a reorder? Yes, we record your ink mixes and thread numbers so repeat orders stay consistent.

Ready to lock in your colors?

We serve New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner and all of Greater New Orleans. Call (504) 309-9683 or contact us and we will help you pick the perfect ink, thread and garment colors for your project. You Think It, We Ink It.