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PMS 442 C is part of the Pantone PMS (Pantone Matching System) collection, which standardizes color reproduction across brand, marketing, and industrial design contexts. The vibe of PMS 442 C is understated, neutral, corporate, clean, and technical. Its visual role primarily serves environments where a muted and controlled gray is required for brand alignment or to reinforce neutrality without introducing color noise.

PMS 442 C appears as a mid-tone gray of moderate lightness (LRV 49.89). The color leans cool, with a subtle blue undertone. PMS 442 C exhibits low chroma, resulting in a subdued and low-saturation appearance. The color maintains a clear, desaturated character under a range of finishes, though gloss or matte coatings can slightly influence its sense of depth. PMS 442 C can be sensitive to lighting conditions, sometimes adopting a slight green or blue cast under cool fluorescent or LED lighting.

PMS 442 C performs well in branding environments that require a restrained, professional base—such as corporate identity backdrops, signage, or trade show fixtures—where it allows primary brand colors to remain visually prominent. The color serves best in well-lit environments; under some artificial lights, its cool undertone may be more pronounced, which should be evaluated through sampling. PMS 442 C distinguishes itself from other neutrals by its cool, controlled tone, which avoids warmth or beige shift common in other grays of similar depth.

Similar colors:
PMS Cool Gray 5 C – Slightly lighter and less cool, with reduced blue undertone.

PMS 430 C – Darker and more saturated, reading as a deeper steel gray.

PMS 421 C – Similar in value but more neutral, lacking the pronounced cool undertone.

Pantone® PMS 442 C. Paint And Spray Paint. MyPerfectColor is the official licensee of Pantone and authorized to reproduce the Pantone Matching System colors in spray paint and other paints.

Product Data

About Pantone and MyPerfectColor

MyPerfectColor is the official licensee of Pantone and authorized to reproduce the Pantone™ PMS 442 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 442 C color and produce outstanding results.

MyPerfectColor matches the Pantone PMS 442 C color based on Pantone color publications. The PMS 442 C color shown on this website are computer video simulations of the PANTONE PMS 442 C Color and may not match PANTONE®-identified Color standards. Refer to current PANTONE Publications to obtain accurate color.

The Pantone PMS 442 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.

Pantone

Frequently Asked Questions About Pantone™ PMS 442 C

Can I convert Pantone PMS 442 C to a color in another paint companys collection for my project?

Pantone PMS 442 C is specified using the Pantone Matching System, which is an independent color standard. Most paint brands develop their own unique palettes that do not directly correspond to Pantone codes. While some brands may provide approximate matches, cross-referencing PMS 442 C to other company colors is rarely exact due to differences in base pigments, finishes, and color formulation. For brand or marketing applications where color accuracy and consistency are important, use products made to match Pantone PMS 442 C directly rather than relying on cross-references.

What should I consider when using PMS 442 C paint on metal or powder-coated surfaces?

When applying PMS 442 C to metal or powder-coated parts, proper surface preparation is essential for consistent results. Existing coatings, surface gloss, and substrate texture can affect how the final PMS 442 C color appears. Scuffing and thorough cleaning help ensure good adhesion and reduce gloss-related color shifts. A sample or test application is recommended before proceeding with full production, especially if the color will be evaluated in critical brand environments or under specific lighting.

Why is it important to confirm the correct Pantone code and series, like PMS 442 C, when ordering paint?

Pantone codes often include suffixes or series information, such as the 'C' in PMS 442 C, which identifies the color standard and context. Ordering paint or coatings based on the correct code ensures alignment with your brand documentation and prevents mismatches if there are similar codes with different specifications. Always verify the full Pantone reference from your brand guidelines or project requirements before placing an order to avoid unnecessary delays or rework.

How do I get the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for paint made in Pantone PMS 442 C?

The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for Pantone PMS 442 C paint depends on the specific type of paint or product you select, not the color itself. To find the SDS, refer to the SDS library or resources for the exact product format you are ordering, such as spray paint, paint pen, or specialty coating. If you are unsure, contact customer service with your order details and product format to obtain the correct SDS information before use.

How quickly will I receive my paint matched to Pantone PMS 442 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 442 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 442 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 442 C?
Many types of paint are available for Pantone PMS 442 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 442 C spray paint made of?

To make spray paint matched to Pantone PMS 442 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 442 C?
The Pantone PMS 442 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 442 C?
The need for primer for Pantone PMS 442 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 442 C to a different color from another paint company?

While MyPerfectColor can provide PMS 442 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.