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Pantone™ PMS Cool Gray 1 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 Cool Gray 1 C from the Pantone PMS collection is a very light, understated gray with a distinctly cool, subtle presence. The vibe is clean, neutral, technical, and quiet, supporting designs that demand unobtrusive sophistication without visual distraction. This color is commonly referenced as a standard for controlled, minimal backgrounds in graphics, packaging systems, and professional identity materials, where an absence of warmth and low visual weight are required.
PMS Cool Gray 1 C appears as a very light gray, with an LRV of 68.59 indicating a high degree of light reflectance. The color shows a definite cool tendency, reflecting its positioning within the cool gray range. Saturation is extremely low, with little chromatic content apparent to the eye. Undertone is neutral to slightly blue, avoiding noticeable warmth or color bias. This color can be finish-sensitive; higher gloss or semi-gloss finishes may make it appear starker or more clinical, while matte finishes increase its subtlety.
PMS Cool Gray 1 C is often used for neutral backgrounds in corporate collateral where vibrant colors need to be supported or grounded.
PMS Cool Gray 1 C works well where a very light, modern, and minimally invasive color is required, such as backgrounds in branded graphics, point-of-purchase displays, or exhibit spaces. It is particularly effective in environments where print clarity and subtle contrast are important. In practice, watch for sensitivity to lighting: under cool light, it maintains its clean neutrality, but in warm light it may appear slightly bluer. Surface preparation must be meticulous, as imperfections can be more visible under such a light, unsaturated shade. Compared to other light grays, it offers a distinctly cooler, almost paper-like effect without drifting into the starkness of pure white.
This Pantone PMS color is defined by the Pantone Matching System standard. Evaluate the color using a physical Pantone reference and a real paint sample in the intended lighting and finish. Paint appearance varies by finish and lighting.
Similar colors:
PMS Cool Gray 2 C is marginally darker and warmer, making it less stark but still very muted.
PMS 427 C is slightly deeper and more neutral, with less overt coolness in the undertone.
PMS Cool Gray 3 C is visibly darker and more pronounced, increasing the visual weight while retaining a cool appearance.
Product Data
About Pantone and MyPerfectColor
MyPerfectColor is the official licensee of Pantone and authorized to reproduce the Pantone™ PMS Cool Gray 1 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 Cool Gray 1 C color and produce outstanding results.
MyPerfectColor matches the Pantone PMS Cool Gray 1 C color based on Pantone color publications. The PMS Cool Gray 1 C color shown on this website are computer video simulations of the PANTONE PMS Cool Gray 1 C Color and may not match PANTONE®-identified Color standards. Refer to current PANTONE Publications to obtain accurate color.
The Pantone PMS Cool Gray 1 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 Cool Gray 1 C
Does PMS Cool Gray 1 C require extra coats for good coverage compared to other Pantone colors?
PMS Cool Gray 1 C is a very light, low saturation gray and usually has moderate hide. Unlike highly saturated Pantone colors, it generally does not require unusually high numbers of coats for uniform coverage. However, because the color is nearly white and low in tint strength, applying PMS Cool Gray 1 C over dark or uneven surfaces may reveal substrate variations or imperfections. For best results and color accuracy, use a white or light gray primer and prepare the surface carefully before applying the paint.
How should I select the right paint type for using PMS Cool Gray 1 C indoors or outdoors?
When matching PMS Cool Gray 1 C, choose an interior or exterior paint formula based on where the finished surface will be used. For displays, walls, or features inside buildings, interior-grade paints will provide the correct finish and appearance. For signage, installations, or surfaces exposed to weather and sun, specify an exterior-grade product to ensure proper durability and color performance. Always confirm that the selected format is suitable for your specific environment and exposure.
What should I consider when applying PMS Cool Gray 1 C paint to plastics or other low energy surfaces?
When using PMS Cool Gray 1 C on plastics or surfaces that are known for being difficult to paint, substrate preparation is crucial. Many plastics require a specific adhesion-promoting primer or surface treatment to ensure proper bonding and appearance. Because PMS Cool Gray 1 C is a light and subtle shade, surface flaws or uneven adhesion may be especially visible. Always test the paint system, including primer, on the actual material before full production or installation to verify compatibility and color outcome.
Are there specific VOC or safety considerations with PMS Cool Gray 1 C paint?
VOC levels and safety requirements for PMS Cool Gray 1 C depend on the type of paint or coating selected, not the color itself. Before use, review the Safety Data Sheet for the exact product format and follow all recommended safety and ventilation practices. Always store and use paint according to manufacturer guidance, and select a product that meets local regulations for your project setting.
How quickly will I receive my paint matched to Pantone PMS Cool Gray 1 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 Cool Gray 1 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 Cool Gray 1 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 Cool Gray 1 C?
Many types of paint are available for Pantone PMS Cool Gray 1 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 Cool Gray 1 C spray paint made of?
To make spray paint matched to Pantone PMS Cool Gray 1 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 Cool Gray 1 C?
The Pantone PMS Cool Gray 1 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 Cool Gray 1 C?
The need for primer for Pantone PMS Cool Gray 1 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 Cool Gray 1 C to a different color from another paint company?
While MyPerfectColor can provide PMS Cool Gray 1 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: 68.59%
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
