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Pantone™ PMS 2196 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 2196 C, part of the Pantone PMS (Pantone Matching System) collection, is a distinctly chromatic blue-violet suited to projects requiring color consistency across multiple materials and substrates. The color presents a bold and technical vibe with a modern, eye-catching presence, frequently leveraged in branding, experiential spaces, and prototype fabrication.
PMS 2196 C shows a distinctly deep and vibrant appearance, with a low light reflectance value (LRV) of 13.28 indicating a noticeably dark character. The color leans cool, with a bias toward blue-violet, and does not display obvious warm undertones. This color is highly saturated, supporting strong visual contrast and making it impactful in large-format graphics. PMS 2196 C generally reads as clean and pure, without significant neutral influence. The color’s chromatic strength can be influenced by finish; gloss and satin finishes may intensify the vibrancy, while matte finishes can create a softer, lower-glare effect.
PMS 2196 C functions well in environments where bold, brand-forward color is needed, such as signage, temporary installations, and marketing displays. Because of its low LRV and high chroma, the color may require multiple coats for full hide, especially over light or inconsistent substrates. Evaluate color appearance under final lighting conditions and in the finish specified, as both factors can noticeably affect perceived depth and brightness. Compared to other blue-violet PMS colors, PMS 2196 C will appear deeper and more saturated, with less risk of appearing muted or greyed in mixed lighting.
Similar colors:
PMS 2084 C: Slightly lighter and less saturated, offering a more subdued blue-violet effect.
PMS 2119 C: Warmer and more purple-leaning, with reduced blue influence.
PMS 2142 C: More neutral and muted, with a less pronounced chromatic intensity compared to PMS 2196 C.
Product Data
About Pantone and MyPerfectColor
MyPerfectColor is the official licensee of Pantone and authorized to reproduce the Pantone™ PMS 2196 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 2196 C color and produce outstanding results.
MyPerfectColor matches the Pantone PMS 2196 C color based on Pantone color publications. The PMS 2196 C color shown on this website are computer video simulations of the PANTONE PMS 2196 C Color and may not match PANTONE®-identified Color standards. Refer to current PANTONE Publications to obtain accurate color.
The Pantone PMS 2196 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 2196 C
What should I consider when using PMS 2196 C in pop-up or retail installations?
When specifying PMS 2196 C for pop-ups or retail displays, plan for durability, consistent color, and evaluation under the lighting that the final display will be viewed in. Because PMS 2196 C is a deeply saturated, low LRV color, it may need multiple coats for full hide, especially over lighter or inconsistent substrates. Sampling the color on the actual material and viewing it under final lighting is recommended before starting a large installation, as both substrate and lighting can influence perceived depth and vibrancy. This ensures PMS 2196 C supports your brand goals by appearing as intended throughout the installation.
How does sheen affect the appearance of PMS 2196 C, and how should I select the right finish?
The sheen or finish you choose for PMS 2196 C can noticeably impact the color's vibrancy and visual effect. Gloss and satin finishes will often increase the perceived saturation and depth of PMS 2196 C, making the blue-violet appear more vivid under strong lighting. Matte or flat finishes can reduce glare but may make the color look a bit softer or darker. When choosing a finish, consider viewing distance, the type of surface, and the goal for visual impact. Always test a small area to verify you are satisfied with the appearance under your project's lighting and material conditions before proceeding.
What are best practices for approving PMS 2196 C color samples in a brand environment?
To accurately approve PMS 2196 C as part of a brand or marketing installation, compare color samples on the same substrate and finish intended for final use, and evaluate after coatings have fully dried or cured. Use consistent lighting, ideally matching the final installation environment. Even small differences in lighting or material can change how PMS 2196 C looks, so keep conditions as close as possible to the deployment setting during approvals. This approach helps avoid surprises and supports confident brand color decisions.
What surface preparation steps are recommended before applying PMS 2196 C matched paint?
For best results with PMS 2196 C, ensure surfaces are thoroughly cleaned to remove dust, grease, or other contaminants. Degrease areas as needed, and lightly scuff glossy surfaces to promote adhesion. Always allow surfaces to dry fully. If possible, do a test spot application of PMS 2196 C in the chosen finish and format on your actual substrate to check both adhesion and color appearance before beginning full-scale application. Proper prep supports color accuracy and uniform coverage, which is especially important for saturated colors like PMS 2196 C.
How quickly will I receive my paint matched to Pantone PMS 2196 C?
Can I use the Pantone PMS 2196 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 2196 C?
How much area will one spray can cover? And what is Pantone PMS 2196 C spray paint made of?
To make spray paint matched to Pantone PMS 2196 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 2196 C?
Do I need a primer for Pantone PMS 2196 C?
How do I convert PMS 2196 C to a different color from another paint company?
While MyPerfectColor can provide PMS 2196 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.