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Pantone™ PMS 8400 C

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PMS 8400 C is an established metallic shade from the Pantone PMS collection, frequently selected for situations requiring a subdued, visually technical effect. The color is best described as muted, low-saturation, dark, metallic, and understated. It presents a restrained character, making it well-suited for design contexts that require both visibility and discretion without vividness.

PMS 8400 C appears dark, with a measured light reflectance value (LRV) of 21.97. The color shows a cool visual tendency, with a subtle purple-gray orientation inherited from its hue position. PMS 8400 C is defined by very low chroma, producing a muted or nearly neutralized effect that avoids color intensity. The color exhibits a cool, metallic undertone, which becomes more pronounced in higher-gloss or metallic finishes. PMS 8400 C is sensitive to surface finish; metallic or gloss topcoats can noticeably influence the apparent depth and reflectivity of the color.

Use PMS 8400 C where a dark, metallic effect is needed without drawing attention through strong color or high brightness. It works well on dimensional surfaces, labels, technical products, or branded equipment in environments where visual contrast or readability is important but overt color is not desired. Evaluate the finish type carefully: metallic or gloss sheens will enhance the "metal" aspect and visual interest, while matte finishes produce a more subdued result. Lighting can affect whether the color appears slightly more purplish or closer to gray; verify using drawdowns or real samples under intended conditions. Coverage is typically strong due to the low chroma, but metallic effects may require specialized application for even appearance.

Similar colors:
PMS 8401 C — Similar but lighter, with a more apparent silvery metallic effect.

PMS 8402 C — Slightly cooler and grayer, reading as more neutral and less purple than PMS 8400 C.

PMS 877 C — Much lighter and distinctly more silvery, with higher reflectance and less visual weight.

Product Data

About Pantone and MyPerfectColor

MyPerfectColor is the official licensee of Pantone and authorized to reproduce the Pantone™ PMS 8400 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 8400 C color and produce outstanding results.

MyPerfectColor matches the Pantone PMS 8400 C color based on Pantone color publications. The PMS 8400 C color shown on this website are computer video simulations of the PANTONE PMS 8400 C Color and may not match PANTONE®-identified Color standards. Refer to current PANTONE Publications to obtain accurate color.

The Pantone PMS 8400 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 8400 C

Has PMS 8400 C been used in any notable branding or product applications?

PMS 8400 C is often selected for branding and product identification where a dark, technical metallic look is desired without drawing attention through saturated color or brightness. It is well-suited for dimensional logos, product labeling, technical displays, or branded equipment in environments that require visibility and discretion. As with most Pantone metallics, it is important to check with your brand guidelines or standards before specifying PMS 8400 C for high-profile or consistency-critical projects.

When is sampling recommended before ordering paint in PMS 8400 C?

Sampling PMS 8400 C is especially recommended for projects where brand accuracy is critical, such as large displays, permanent installations, or environments with controlled lighting. Because PMS 8400 C is a dark, metallic shade, its appearance can change with surface finish, lighting, and substrate. Ordering a sample allows you to approve the actual look under your specific conditions and reduces the risk of mismatch or unexpected visual effects in production.

Can PMS 8400 C be matched by other paint brands or collections?

PMS 8400 C is a standardized reference from the Pantone PMS system and does not translate exactly to other paint brands or collections. Paint companies each have unique formulas, and metallic effects like those in PMS 8400 C are especially difficult to cross-reference reliably. If your project requires matching a Pantone PMS color, it is best to specify PMS 8400 C by name and code and confirm the appearance with a sample or approved reference on your material and finish.

Where can I find the SDS for paint mixed in PMS 8400 C?

The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for PMS 8400 C paint is tied to the paint product type, not the color itself. To find the correct SDS, select the specific product format you plan to use, such as spray paint or epoxy, and consult the manufacturer's SDS library for that product. The Pantone color code identifies the target shade but does not affect the safety or handling profile of the paint base.

How quickly will I receive my paint matched to Pantone PMS 8400 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 8400 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 8400 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 8400 C?
Many types of paint are available for Pantone PMS 8400 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 8400 C spray paint made of?

To make spray paint matched to Pantone PMS 8400 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 8400 C?
The Pantone PMS 8400 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 8400 C?
The need for primer for Pantone PMS 8400 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 8400 C to a different color from another paint company?

While MyPerfectColor can provide PMS 8400 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.