Pantone™ PMS 303 C

Actual color may vary from on-screen representation. Please view a physical color swatch or material sample to confirm your color choice prior to purchase.

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PMS 303 C is a Pantone Matching System (PMS) color located within the Pantone PMS collection. Visually, it registers as a dark, complex blue with a distinctly subdued and technical character. The color projects a sense of authority, professionalism, restraint, and is often perceived as grounded and reliable within design and branding contexts.

PMS 303 C appears very dark, with a low LRV of 2.52, resulting in limited reflectance and significant visual depth. The color has a cool blue tendency, with a hue that leans toward a deep navy. PMS 303 C demonstrates moderate chroma; saturation is present but is tempered by gray undertones, giving the color a muted effect. There is a subtle greenish undertone, imparting complexity compared to more primary or neutral navies. The color's darkness and muted saturation mean it is sensitive to finish and lighting; gloss surfaces may appear slightly bluer or more vivid, while matte finishes further subdue the blue. PMS 303 C is visually distinct from standard primary blues, rendering it less likely to shift with minor lighting changes, but metamerism can occur under certain artificial light sources.

PMS 303 C works well in applications requiring a bold, professional blue that avoids the brightness of more chromatic blues. This color is typically specified for brand elements where subdued impact and readability are essential, especially on signage, exhibit materials, and identity components. Because it is very dark, appropriate surface preparation is necessary to ensure clean lines and consistent coverage, as lower LRV values can expose substrate or texture inconsistencies. PMS 303 C tends to conceal surface imperfections in matte finishes but may reveal application marks in glossier coatings. Always evaluate the color under intended lighting and in the actual finish to confirm suitability, as shifts in gloss or ambient light can modulate its depth and subtle undertones.

Similar colors:
PMS 296 C: Even darker and blacker, with a slightly cooler and more neutral blue profile.

PMS 302 C: Lighter and marginally more chromatic, showing a clearer blue with less muted undertone.

PMS 540 C: Noticeably lighter, bluer, and more vivid, lacking the muted, restrained quality of 303 C.

PMS 533 C: Comparable depth but presents a stronger blue note and less greenish undertone than 303 C.

Pantone® is the property of Pantone LLC. © Pantone LLC, 2024. The colors displayed are simulations based on Pantone standards. Refer to current Pantone publications for accurate color.

Product Data

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About Pantone and MyPerfectColor

MyPerfectColor is the official licensee of Pantone and authorized to reproduce the Pantone™ PMS 303 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 303 C color and produce outstanding results.

MyPerfectColor matches the Pantone PMS 303 C color based on Pantone color publications. The PMS 303 C color shown on this website are computer video simulations of the PANTONE PMS 303 C Color and may not match PANTONE®-identified Color standards. Refer to current PANTONE Publications to obtain accurate color.

The Pantone PMS 303 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 303 C

Why might Pantone PMS 303 C appear different when applied to various substrates or materials?

Pantone PMS 303 C can show visible differences across substrates because each material absorbs and reflects paint in unique ways. Factors like surface texture, porosity, gloss level, and material composition influence how the color looks once applied. For example, PMS 303 C may appear slightly more vivid on smooth or glossy plastics compared to matte or textured metals. Very dark colors like PMS 303 C are especially sensitive to these effects. To ensure the color meets brand expectations, it is best to sample PMS 303 C paint on the actual material or substrate intended for the final project before committing to a full production run.

What expedited shipping or production options are available if I need Pantone PMS 303 C quickly?

If you need Pantone PMS 303 C in a shorter timeframe, you can choose expedited production options during checkout on MyPerfectColor. However, production and shipping times can depend on the specific product format and order volume. For the most reliable fulfillment of critical deadlines, contact MyPerfectColor directly before ordering to confirm current lead times and available rush options for PMS 303 C.

Why is Pantone PMS 303 C commonly specified for signs, displays, or exhibit fabrication, and what should I consider before ordering?

Pantone PMS 303 C is often specified for signs, displays, and exhibit components to ensure brand consistency and visual impact across different projects. If your application requires accurate representation of this color, especially where clients will view and approve the final installation, sampling the PMS 303 C paint on your actual material under the intended lighting conditions is recommended. This allows you to confirm the color appearance, sheen, and finish acceptance before proceeding with a full order.

What should I know about returns and custom production when ordering Pantone PMS 303 C paint?

Pantone PMS 303 C paint is custom formulated and made to order to match the specified color standard. Because these items are produced specifically for your order, they are generally not eligible for cancellation or return once manufacturing begins. It is important to select the correct product type and finish for your project and to sample when possible. Careful review of your needs before ordering will help prevent errors that are difficult or impossible to correct after production.

How quickly will I receive my paint matched to Pantone PMS 303 C?

All paint is custom-made to order. While most orders ship within 48 hours, the lead-time for paint made to match Pantone PMS 303 C depends on the type of paint needed. Interior and exterior house paints usually ship within 1 to 3 business days, while custom spray paint typically takes 3-5 business days to ship. The transit time depends on your location and the shipping method you choose. If your need is immediate, select Expedited Production during checkout. Most expedited production orders ship within 24 hours on business days. Please contact MyPerfectColor if you are concerned about a specific deadline. We do our best to make sure you get your paint on time. Learn more about paint lead times at MyPerfectColor.

Can I use the Pantone PMS 303 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 303 C?

Many types of paint are available for Pantone PMS 303 C with no minimum order quantities. MyPerfectColor offers spray paint, paint pens, touch up bottles, water-based acrylics, epoxies, urethanes and a variety of other paints. Select the Paint Type button above to get started. Learn more about buying paint at MyPerfectColor.

How much area will one spray can cover? And what is Pantone PMS 303 C spray paint made of?

To make spray paint matched to Pantone PMS 303 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 303 C?

The Pantone PMS 303 C is the color and the SDS is based on the type of paint used to make the color. You can find Safety Data Sheets here for our most popular products.

Do I need a primer for Pantone PMS 303 C?

The need for primer for Pantone PMS 303 C depends on the type of paint, the substrate being painted and where it will be located. See our Primer Selection Table to see what primer you might need and learn more about when you might need a primer. Most people don't use a primer for a touch up paint application, but a primer may improve adhesion and is typically recommended for exterior applications.

How do I convert PMS 303 C to a different color from another paint company?

While MyPerfectColor can provide PMS 303 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.