Pantone™ PMS 138 U

Ordering a PMS 138 U paint match means you are requesting paint mixed to visually match the Pantone PMS 138 U color target. Pantone PMS is a standardized color reference used for communication and brand consistency, not a paint formula, coating system, or finish specification.

The goal is visual alignment to the PMS 138 U reference under typical viewing conditions. The final appearance can vary based on paint type, sheen, substrate, and lighting, so it should not be treated as a guaranteed numeric color value across all materials.

PMS 138 U is a Pantone PMS color reference, not a paint formula or coating specification. When you order a paint matched to PMS 138 U, you are requesting paint that visually matches the Pantone color target as closely as possible.

The Pantone system defines color appearance under specific viewing conditions, but it does not define the paint chemistry, finish, sheen, or application method. Final appearance can vary based on substrate, product type, and lighting, so PMS 138 U should be treated as a visual brand standard rather than a guaranteed outcome on every surface.

PMS 138 U is a bright, highly saturated Pantone color, which means it can have lower hide compared to more neutral colors. Depending on the substrate and paint type, additional coats may be needed to achieve even coverage and a uniform appearance.

For best results, apply over a recommended base or primer and plan for multiple coats. Coverage should always be evaluated on the actual material and under the lighting where the color will be viewed.

PMS 138 U is a bright, saturated Pantone color, and colors in this range often have lower hide than neutral or muted tones. It is common for PMS 138 U to require additional coats to achieve uniform color and opacity, especially over dark or uneven substrates.

Using a compatible primer or base coat can improve coverage and help the final color appear more consistent. Coverage expectations should be evaluated on the actual substrate and under the lighting where the color will be viewed.

Paint matched to PMS 138 U is made to order. Typical production lead time depends on the specific paint type, quantity, and current production volume.

Because Pantone matches are custom mixed, they usually require more time than off-the-shelf paints. Checking lead time before placing time-sensitive orders is recommended, especially for marketing or display deadlines.

If you are unsure which paint type is best for PMS 138 U, contact MyPerfectColor with details about your project. Key information includes the substrate, indoor or outdoor exposure, desired finish, and how the color will be viewed.

This helps ensure the selected product supports accurate color appearance, proper adhesion, and realistic coverage expectations for a saturated Pantone color like PMS 138 U.

The correct paint type for PMS 138 U depends on where and how it will be used. Substrate material, exposure conditions, desired finish, and application method all influence which product will perform best and how the color will appear.

If you are unsure which format or coating type to order, MyPerfectColor can help. Providing details about your substrate, environment, and visual goals allows them to recommend a product that balances color accuracy, coverage, and durability for your specific project.

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 138 U. 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 138 U 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.