Pantone™ PMS 385 C

Specifying PMS 385 C tells all vendors and fabricators to target the same Pantone reference standard, which is essential for consistent brand presentation across signs, displays, and exhibits. However, the finished appearance can still vary based on substrate, paint format, and finish. For best results, always request samples of PMS 385 C applied to actual substrates and in the intended finish before full production. This approach confirms color accuracy in real-world conditions and aligns with most brand approval processes.

When applying PMS 385 C to plastics or other low-surface-energy materials, substrate preparation is critical. Plastics vary widely, and some may require adhesion-promoting primers for the paint to bond properly. It is important to test PMS 385 C paint on the actual plastic type and in the chosen finish before proceeding with large-scale production. This ensures both visual accuracy and long-term durability on your project.

The finish you select for PMS 385 C affects both color perception and visual impact. Matte finishes tend to mute the olive tones and hide surface irregularities, making them suitable when a subdued look is desired or when glare must be minimized. Gloss finishes, on the other hand, will deepen the color intensity and amplify green notes, but may introduce reflections under direct lighting. Your decision should consider how the finish will appear in the intended location and lighting. Sampling both finishes on your actual substrate can clarify which option best aligns with your project goals.

For PMS 385 C use in pop-up or retail installations, prioritize both durability and brand color integrity. Test the color in the intended lighting, as PMS 385 C's olive notes and darkness can shift in warm or cool illumination. Select a paint format compatible with your surface and traffic expectations. Always review a sample on the real substrate before production to confirm appearance and performance. This minimizes the risk of mismatch and ensures your branded environment launches as intended.

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 385 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 385 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.