We usually ask our clients to provide us with CMYK and PMS when they provide us with a packaging design to be printed. In fact, only CMYK and PMS color systems can be airbrushed and printed, RGB color models cannot be printed.
RGB Color Model
RGB color model (visit Wikipedia), is an additive color model consisting of three primary colors of light (red, green, and blue) superimposed. RGB colors are made up of light beams of 3 basic colors by addition, so these colors are only visible on digital screens (e.g. TVs, computers, cell phones). Even with the most advanced printing equipment, it is impossible for us to retain 100% of the colors on the printed substrate.
CMYK Printing Mode
CMYK printing color mode, as its name implies, is a four-color ink printing system. CMYK (visit wikipedia) uses blending (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key) to create a whole range of colors. The full color printing color pattern is created by mixing and overlaying the exact values of C, M, Y, and K.
PMS Spot Color Printing
PMS, stands for PANTONE Color Matching System. This is a pre-blended spot color ink. Pantone (visit wikipedia) is a standardized color reproduction system that ensures color matching. This is the optimal solution for your packaging design where color needs to remain absolutely consistent. Although, PMS can produce color gamut other than CMYK colors, such as metallic and also light colors, however, Pantone inks are more expensive than CMYK.
When you provide us with your package design drawings, please do make sure to check that your document is in CMYK mode as opposed to RGB, as this is the true packaging color to print. Color system changes may result in different printing display, as CMYK has a smaller color gamut than RGB.