Pantone™ PMS 188 U

Pantone PMS 188 U is a visual color standard, not a fixed paint formula. Each order is matched to the Pantone reference at the time of production. To keep results consistent across reorders, use the same product type and sheen each time, and evaluate color using the same reference target and lighting conditions.

If PMS 188 U is being used for a brand facing display or marketing element, plan to approve a sample from the first order and keep that approved piece as your comparison standard for future runs. Changing substrates, finishes, or application methods can change how the color is perceived, even when the Pantone target is the same.

For Pantone PMS 188 U, start with a clean, dry surface. Remove dust, oils, and residues using a suitable cleaner or degreaser. Smooth, glossy surfaces may benefit from light scuffing to improve adhesion, followed by cleaning to remove sanding residue.

Because saturated Pantone colors can be sensitive to substrate and application, apply a small test area first to confirm adhesion and appearance. Proper surface preparation helps achieve more uniform coverage and a more reliable visual match to the Pantone reference.

Yes. Pantone PMS 188 U is commonly used for prototypes and concept models where visual brand alignment is important. The Pantone code communicates the intended color clearly across teams and vendors during early stage design and review.

For prototype workflows, select a paint format that matches how the model will be built and evaluated, such as spray paint for even visual coverage or small format paints for detailed components. Review the color under the expected lighting conditions and on the actual substrate before final approval.

Coverage for Pantone PMS 188 U spray paint depends on the surface texture, application technique, and number of coats. Highly saturated colors like this often require multiple coats to achieve uniform appearance and hide.

Many users plan spray cans for smaller parts, panels, or display components rather than large continuous surfaces, and order extra material to allow for test spraying and color approval. Rough or absorbent substrates will reduce coverage compared to smooth, sealed surfaces.

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 188 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 188 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.