Pantone™ PMS 181 C

To keep color results consistent when reordering Pantone PMS 181 C paint, always use the same product type and sheen as your original order. Reference the same Pantone PMS 181 C target for approvals, and if possible, source from the same supplier and specify any required finish or application guidelines. Changing the paint format or gloss level can noticeably affect the perceived color, especially on brand-critical projects.

For large applications of Pantone PMS 181 C, plan for consistent application technique throughout the project. Use overlapping spray or roller passes and maintain a wet edge to avoid visible lap marks or patchy coverage, as this deep, warm red may highlight inconsistencies. Applying adequate coats to reach full opacity is important, as dark, saturated shades like PMS 181 C often require more coverage. Review results under your expected lighting before final approval.

Yes, always confirm you are using the correct Pantone PMS 181 C code, including any suffix (such as C, U, or others) specified in your brand standards. Different suffixes can refer to variations intended for coated, uncoated, or specialty materials, which can affect color matching. Consult your brand documentation to ensure the reference matches your intended application.

Primer needs for Pantone PMS 181 C depend on the paint type, substrate, and end use. It is especially recommended when painting over light colors, bare substrates, or surfaces that may affect adhesion or coverage. For dark, saturated shades like PMS 181 C, a primer can support better opacity and color accuracy. Review substrate and paint manufacturer guidance for best practices for your specific application.

Unfortunately, no.

Some manufacturers specify Pantone colors as touch up for their products, but Pantone does not work well as a proxy for a touch-up solution (for a litany of reasons such as it doesn't include sheen and Pantone color tolerances are not tight enough for touch up). When we match Pantone colors we are matching to a swatch in a Pantone book - not to your product.

The only way we can provide a touch-up solution for your product is for you send us a part. We would use the part to create a touch-up grade match. Unfortunately, there isn't an effective way to 'spec' the color well enough to produce a touch up without the part.

Read more about using Pantone for touch-up.

Learn more about our paint color matching service.

To make spray paint matched to Pantone PMS 181 C. MyPerfectColor uses an acrylic enamel which is a fast-drying durable coating suitable for interior or exterior use. MyPerfectColor custom spray paint enables you to conveniently achieve a professional spray-smooth finish in any color in any sheen. It sticks well to most surfaces including metal, plastics, powder-coatings, cabinets and primed or previously painted wood.

The 11oz spray will cover about 20 square feet per coat. Keep in mind that it is difficult to gauge how much spray you'll need as it is highly dependent on how it is applied. It is better to have too much than run short.

While MyPerfectColor can provide PMS 181 C in paint, we don't provide any crossover information. We've found that every paint company offers its own unique selection of colors and rarely does a color have an exact equivalent in another company's color collection, especially for a color collection like Pantone which is designed for bright colors and inks.