Pantone™ PMS 542 C

Yes, Pantone PMS 542 C is widely cited as the signature blue used by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in its institutional identity. This color is also referenced in other higher education and sports team branding systems, where a soft blue is needed for a distinctive and recognizable palette. If you are aiming for alignment with known brand standards, verifying your project against a physical Pantone reference and a sample in the intended finish is recommended for PMS 542 C.

To achieve accurate, brand-consistent results with Pantone PMS 542 C, start by ensuring all surfaces are clean, dry, and free of dust or oils. Degrease any glossy or previously coated areas and lightly scuff glossy surfaces for better adhesion. For best results, test a small area in the intended finish before proceeding with the full project. Proper preparation helps your PMS 542 C color appear as intended and last longer on displays or branding components.

A standard spray can of Pantone PMS 542 C typically covers about 20 to 25 square feet per coat on a smooth, primed surface. Actual coverage varies based on surface texture, color contrast, number of coats, and application technique. For brand and display applications, plan for at least two coats to achieve uniform color. It is best to calculate total square footage, add extra for test sprays and overlap, and consider ordering additional cans for large or complex installations.

Safety requirements for Pantone PMS 542 C paint depend on the specific product type and format you select. Always review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed handling and ventilation guidance. Use all paints in well-ventilated areas, avoid skin and eye contact, and wear appropriate protective gear as indicated on the product label. VOC content and emissions can vary by product, so confirm compliance if you have specific regulatory or workplace requirements.

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 542 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 542 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.