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Pantone™ PMS 448 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 448 C is part of the Pantone PMS (Pantone Matching System) collection. Visually, it presents as a dark, flat olive-brown with a muted, utilitarian character. The color’s practical vibe is plain, grounded, institutional, subdued, and non-reflective. It is primarily specified in professional and regulatory environments where a strong, non-distracting, and easily replicable color is operationally required.
PMS 448 C is extremely dark, with a low light reflectance value (LRV 5.09), making it effective at absorbing light and minimizing visual attention. The color has a cool-neutral undertone, leaning slightly greenish-brown. The color's saturation is notably low, which contributes to its muted and utilitarian appearance. The green-yellow hue is evident but heavily subdued by black, contributing to its earthy quality. PMS 448 C is generally insensitive to gloss or finish; higher sheens will not significantly enliven the color's subdued character.
PMS 448 C is specified when an understated, utilitarian dark is needed, especially in settings where minimal reflectivity and distraction are priorities. It is consistent and stable across a range of substrates and lighting conditions, but its darkness may appear even deeper in low-light environments. When compared to other dark olive or neutral browns, PMS 448 C remains one of the least saturated and least visually “active,” making it particularly effective in institutional or regulatory contexts. It is suitable for large areas where visual impact must be minimized.
- The following examples reflect commonly cited branding associations and are based on publicly referenced design usage; they are illustrative, not exhaustive or exclusive. - PMS 448 C is widely cited as the color selected for tobacco packaging in several countries as part of legislation aimed at reducing product appeal. - The color is commonly referenced in research literature as “the world’s ugliest color,” selected specifically for its lack of attractiveness in behavioral studies regarding packaging.
Similar colors:
PMS 7497 C: A lighter and slightly warmer olive, providing more visual presence and less mutedness.
PMS 5815 C: A similar greenish-brown, but with increased chroma and warmth.
PMS 419 C: A deeper, even less chromatic blackened green, more neutral and less yellow than PMS 448 C.
Product Data
About Pantone and MyPerfectColor
MyPerfectColor is the official licensee of Pantone and authorized to reproduce the Pantone™ PMS 448 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 448 C color and produce outstanding results.
MyPerfectColor matches the Pantone PMS 448 C color based on Pantone color publications. The PMS 448 C color shown on this website are computer video simulations of the PANTONE PMS 448 C Color and may not match PANTONE®-identified Color standards. Refer to current PANTONE Publications to obtain accurate color.
The Pantone PMS 448 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 448 C
Why is PMS 448 C not recommended as a touch-up solution for existing coatings?
PMS 448 C refers to a standardized color target but does not specify finish, sheen, or substrate conditions. Using a Pantone reference like PMS 448 C for touch-up work rarely produces a visually seamless result, because differences in application, surface texture, and environmental wear will influence color perception. Pantone colors are intended for new work or complete visual areas where brand consistency is prioritized, not for localized repairs to existing finishes.
When should I sample PMS 448 C before committing to a full order?
Sampling PMS 448 C is recommended for any project where accurate color is mission-critical, such as high-visibility brand installations, large retail environments, or when the appearance may change under different lighting or on different substrates. Sampling helps confirm that PMS 448 C meets your visual requirements before production, minimizing brand risk and costly errors.
What should I consider when specifying PMS 448 C for pop-up or retail environments?
When using PMS 448 C in pop-up or retail spaces, confirm the color appearance under installed lighting since this color is particularly dark and can look even deeper in low-light areas. Consider the wear and durability requirements of the chosen format. Sampling on intended materials is advisable to ensure consistent, brand-accurate results before a full rollout.
How do I order paint matched to PMS 448 C on MyPerfectColor?
To order paint matched to PMS 448 C, start by selecting the desired paint type and sheen for your project, then specify the quantity you need. Choose any required options such as can size or base. Review all selections for accuracy before completing your order for best results in brand-focused applications.
How quickly will I receive my paint matched to Pantone PMS 448 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 448 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 448 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 448 C?
Many types of paint are available for Pantone PMS 448 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 448 C spray paint made of?
To make spray paint matched to Pantone PMS 448 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 448 C?
The Pantone PMS 448 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 448 C?
The need for primer for Pantone PMS 448 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 448 C to a different color from another paint company?
While MyPerfectColor can provide PMS 448 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.
Color details
LRV: 5.09%
Color properties
Color Type:
Standard
Hide:
Standard
Match Source:
Brochure/swatch book
Match Type:
Physical match
Textured:
No
Source on hand:
Yes
Color Category:
Standard
