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PMS 286 C is part of the Pantone Matching System (PMS), a standardized color collection used internationally for accurate brand and design color specification. The color has a distinctly vivid, technical, and commanding vibe with a strong visual presence. It is commonly recognized for its use in high-profile visual branding and environments requiring precise color communication and consistency.
PMS 286 C presents as a dark, highly saturated blue. The color exhibits a cool temperature. The undertone is clearly blue with no discernible green or purple shift. PMS 286 C’s saturation and depth are visually prominent, lending it strong color impact. The color can appear slightly deeper or more muted under low lighting or in a matte finish; glossy finishes may emphasize its chromatic intensity. Light reflectance value (LRV) is low at 4.42, contributing to its depth and richness.
PMS 286 C works well where a strong, definitive blue is needed for visual alignment with brand or institutional specifications, particularly in high-visibility signage, display, or branded environments. Users should anticipate possible finish sensitivity: matte versions may look less vivid, while gloss will enhance chromaticity. Highly saturated colors like this may require additional coats for uniform, streak-free coverage, especially over lighter substrates; proper priming and surface preparation is advised. PMS 286 C may read differently compared to similar blues in different lighting; always confirm appearance using a physical Pantone reference under the intended lighting before production or installation.
This Pantone PMS color is defined by the Pantone Matching System standard. Evaluate the color using a physical Pantone reference and a real paint sample in the intended lighting and finish. Paint appearance varies by finish and lighting.
- The following examples reflect commonly cited branding associations and are based on publicly referenced design usage; they are illustrative, not exhaustive or exclusive. - PMS 286 C is widely cited as the primary blue in IBM’s corporate identity guidelines. - The color is frequently associated with the English Premier League’s official branding palette. - PMS 286 C is commonly referenced in university branding systems, including for UCLA and other prominent institutions.
Similar colors:
PMS 293 C – Similar blue; PMS 293 C is lighter and somewhat less saturated.
PMS 287 C – Slightly deeper and more muted than PMS 286 C, appearing less vivid.
PMS Reflex Blue C – Darker and more neutral with less chromatic intensity than PMS 286 C.
MyPerfectColor is the official licensee of Pantone and authorized to reproduce the Pantone™ PMS 286 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 286 C color and produce outstanding results.
MyPerfectColor matches the Pantone PMS 286 C color based on Pantone color publications. The PMS 286 C color shown on this website are computer video simulations of the PANTONE PMS 286 C Color and may not match PANTONE®-identified Color standards. Refer to current PANTONE Publications to obtain accurate color.
The Pantone PMS 286 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.

Before ordering paint for PMS 286 C, confirm the exact Pantone code and suffix required by your brand standards or project documentation. Small changes in the code or suffix, such as 'C' for coated versus 'U' for uncoated, can affect the intended color target. Always verify with a physical Pantone reference or your brand style guide to avoid ordering the wrong color for your application.
If you need PMS 286 C for a specific surface or environment, contact MyPerfectColor with details about your substrate, the expected exposure (indoor or outdoor), and the finish you are trying to achieve. The team can recommend whether spray paint, liquid paint, or other paint formats are most appropriate for your brand, marketing, or prototype application.
PMS 286 C is often specified to ensure accurate brand color representation in prototypes, concept models, and early stage display samples. Select your paint format, such as spray paint or small bottles, based on the materials and scale of your model. Always compare a painted sample to your Pantone reference in the intended lighting and finish to evaluate visual alignment before full production.
One spray can of PMS 286 C generally covers about 20 square feet per coat on a smooth, primed surface. However, actual coverage can vary based on application method, surface texture, and the number of coats needed for solid color. Because highly saturated blues like PMS 286 C can require additional coats for full, uniform coverage, plan for extra product if you are covering light or uneven surfaces.
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 286 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 286 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.