Pantone™ PMS 188 C

For PMS 188 C, always use the full Pantone code including the letter suffix 'C' when placing your order. Pantone codes such as 'PMS 188 C' are standardized identifiers and include details about the color series and finish. Relying only on the color name or omitting the suffix may result in receiving the wrong product, as similar numbers with different suffixes can reference different colors or finishes. To ensure the correct color target for PMS 188 C, communicate the code in full on orders and project documentation.

Pantone PMS 188 C is a dark, muted red with low light reflectance. While not as difficult to cover as some bright hues, its depth and saturation may still require careful application for uniform appearance. Using an appropriate undercoat, such as a deep base, can help promote better hide and consistency, and planning for more than one coat is recommended to achieve solid, brand-consistent coverage. Always test the paint over your actual substrate and under your target lighting to confirm results before committing to a full project.

Pantone PMS 188 C is a standard color specification for new work, but it does not define the original coating type, sheen, or how the color appears on aged or weathered surfaces. As a result, ordering PMS 188 C for touch-up may lead to visible mismatches due to differences in finish, application method, or surface condition. For existing items, referencing the original coating details or requesting a custom match from a physical sample is a better way to achieve a seamless repair.

Specifying a standard Pantone PMS 188 C match is appropriate when your project requires high-visibility, brand-accurate red for displays, signage, prototypes, or marketing installations, and the Pantone reference defines the target color. This works well for applications where appearance consistency is prioritized and there is no need to duplicate an existing coating surface. If your goal is to represent brand standards on a new or controlled surface, a standard match to PMS 188 C is the correct way to achieve alignment across materials.

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 188 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 188 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.