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Pantone™ PMS 273 C
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PMS 273 C is part of the Pantone Matching System (Pantone PMS), a standardized collection widely relied upon in marketing, industrial design, and display fabrication. This color is visually striking, deep, technical, and assertive, with a low light reflectance value (LRV 2.1), making it one of the darker and more saturated blue-violets in the PMS collection. The color is known for its strong, cool presence and its ability to deliver a bold, brand-driven visual statement.
PMS 273 C appears very dark due to its low LRV (2.1). The color presents a cool hue with strong blue-violet undertones. This color carries high saturation and chromatic intensity. Undertones are distinctly blue-leaning with a minor violet quality. PMS 273 C is relatively sensitive to finish, with gloss levels affecting color richness and perceived depth.
PMS 273 C is most effective where a strong, high-impact color statement is required and consistent color reproduction matters—such as branded displays, trade show graphics, and marketing-oriented fabricated elements. Its dark, saturated character is best maintained under high or neutral lighting conditions that prevent it from appearing black. Careful substrate selection and surface preparation are important to maintain chroma and coverage, as with many highly saturated PMS colors. This color may require multiple coats for uniform hide, especially over high-contrast or light substrates, and perceived color may shift based on finish or lighting environment. Relative to similar deep blue tones, PMS 273 C reads cooler and more pronouncedly violet.
Similar colors:
PMS 274 C: Slightly darker and more muted, with a cooler, more indigo undertone.
PMS 268 C: Lighter and more chromatic, showing more prominent violet character.
PMS 275 C: Slightly less saturated and presents a more muted blue-violet appearance.
Product Data
About Pantone and MyPerfectColor
MyPerfectColor is the official licensee of Pantone and authorized to reproduce the Pantone™ PMS 273 C color in spray paint and other paints.
MyPerfectColor helps marketing professionals turn graphic designs into physical reality. Whether you are a manufacturer, entrepreneur, industrial designer, prototyper/modeler, marketer, agency, printer, retailer, sign manufacturer, exhibit fabricator or architect, MyPerfectColor will help you nail the PMS 273 C color and produce outstanding results.
MyPerfectColor matches the Pantone PMS 273 C color based on Pantone color publications. The PMS 273 C color shown on this website are computer video simulations of the PANTONE PMS 273 C Color and may not match PANTONE®-identified Color standards. Refer to current PANTONE Publications to obtain accurate color.
The Pantone PMS 273 C color may vary from the PANTONE Color Standards based on lighting conditions, angle of view and/or due to differences in pigments, manufacturing process, substrate and/or limitations in the color capability of the paint. Refer to current PANTONE Publications to obtain accurate color.
PANTONE® and other Pantone trademarks are the property of Pantone LLC. Portions © Pantone LLC, 2019. Produced under License Agreement between MyPerfectColor.com and Pantone LLC.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pantone™ PMS 273 C
Why does Pantone PMS 273 C not have a reliable equivalent in other paint company color collections?
Pantone PMS 273 C is defined by a standardized Pantone code that establishes a very specific color target, but it is not part of the color palettes used by most paint companies. Paint brands develop their own unique color systems, and while some may offer similar blues or violets, these are not calibrated to the same specification as PMS 273 C. This is particularly important for saturated colors like PMS 273 C, where visual differences are accentuated by materials, production methods, and finish. For the most brand-consistent result, always use a paint custom-matched to the actual Pantone PMS 273 C standard-do not rely on so-called equivalents from other collections.
What steps help achieve a uniform look when applying Pantone PMS 273 C paint over large areas?
To keep Pantone PMS 273 C consistent across larger surfaces, plan for multiple coats, especially over light or high-contrast backgrounds. Use the same application method for all areas to avoid visual seams. Mix all paint together before starting to minimize batch differences. Work in logical sections and maintain a wet edge when brushing or rolling. Because PMS 273 C is highly saturated and has low light reflectance, any unevenness will be more noticeable. Good lighting during application helps spot coverage issues immediately.
What are the safety and VOC considerations when using paint matched to Pantone PMS 273 C?
Safety and VOC information for Pantone PMS 273 C paint depends entirely on the specific paint formula and type selected. Always review and follow the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the exact product you are purchasing. Work in a well-ventilated area and use the recommended protective equipment. If low VOC content is required for your project, confirm product specifications before ordering.
When should a primer be used with Pantone PMS 273 C paint?
Primer use for Pantone PMS 273 C depends on the surface and paint type. Primers are typically recommended over uncoated surfaces, substrates with stains or color differences, or when extra adhesion is needed. For highly saturated colors like PMS 273 C, a primer can improve coverage and consistency, especially over light or uneven bases. Check product-specific recommendations and select a primer designed for your application and substrate for best results.
How quickly will I receive my paint matched to Pantone PMS 273 C?
Can I use the Pantone PMS 273 C for touch up?
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.
How do I buy paint in the Pantone PMS 273 C?
How much area will one spray can cover? And what is Pantone PMS 273 C spray paint made of?
To make spray paint matched to Pantone PMS 273 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.
How do I get the SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for paint matched to Pantone PMS 273 C?
Do I need a primer for Pantone PMS 273 C?
How do I convert PMS 273 C to a different color from another paint company?
While MyPerfectColor can provide PMS 273 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.