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Pantone™ PMS 194 U

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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 194 U is a Pantone PMS color specified as a rich, dark red with a warm, assertive character. Within the Pantone Matching System, it conveys a bold, serious, and high-contrast presence often selected for brand-led environments and visual communication.

The color appears very dark, with a low Light Reflectance Value of 8.5. It reads as warm and highly saturated, carrying a deep crimson undertone rather than a blue-red cast. In higher-sheen finishes, application consistency and surface preparation can noticeably influence the final appearance.

PMS 194 U works well in brand-facing displays, signage, and exhibit components where deep red is intended to anchor attention or convey authority. Due to its low lightness and high saturation, it often benefits from a uniform substrate and consistent application to avoid patchiness, especially under directional lighting or gloss finishes. Compared to lighter or more neutral reds, it appears heavier and more dramatic, which can reduce perceived brightness in low-light environments.

Similar colors:
Pantone 187 C: slightly lighter and more open, with less depth than PMS 194 U.
Pantone 200 C: darker and cooler, with a more blue-leaning red character.
Pantone 201 C: deeper and more muted, with reduced saturation and visual intensity.

Product Data

About Pantone and MyPerfectColor

MyPerfectColor is the official licensee of Pantone and authorized to reproduce the Pantone™ PMS 194 U 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 194 U color and produce outstanding results.

MyPerfectColor matches the Pantone PMS 194 U color based on Pantone color publications. The PMS 194 U color shown on this website are computer video simulations of the PANTONE PMS 194 U Color and may not match PANTONE®-identified Color standards. Refer to current PANTONE Publications to obtain accurate color.

The Pantone PMS 194 U 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 194 U

What should I consider before using Pantone PMS 194 U in a retail pop-up or brand installation?

Before committing to Pantone PMS 194 U for a retail or pop-up environment, plan to evaluate the color under the actual lighting where it will be installed. Lighting type and intensity can change how saturated Pantone colors appear. For high-traffic installations, confirm the paint type is suitable for the expected wear and handling. Ordering a sample and reviewing it on the intended substrate helps reduce approval risk before producing larger quantities.

How do I get help choosing the right paint type for Pantone PMS 194 U?

If you are unsure which paint format is best for Pantone PMS 194 U, contact MyPerfectColor with details about your project. Include the substrate, whether the application is temporary or long-term, the environment, and your preferred finish. This information allows the team to recommend an appropriate paint or spray paint option that aligns with your branding and application needs.

How accurate can I expect a paint match to Pantone PMS 194 U to be?

Pantone PMS 194 U is a vivid, saturated color, which can be more challenging to reproduce across different materials and finishes. MyPerfectColor matches to the Pantone standard as a visual target, but appearance can vary based on substrate, sheen, and lighting. For brand-critical applications, reviewing a physical sample before full production is recommended to confirm acceptance.

What helps maintain a uniform look when applying Pantone PMS 194 U over large areas?

When applying Pantone PMS 194 U over larger surfaces, consistency is key. Use the same application method, maintain even coverage, and plan sufficient coats to achieve full hide, as saturated colors may require more build. Applying all sections under similar conditions and from the same batch helps avoid visible variation across panels or walls.

How quickly will I receive my paint matched to Pantone PMS 194 U?
All paint is custom-made to order. While most orders ship within 48 hours, the lead-time for paint made to match Pantone PMS 194 U 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 194 U 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 194 U?
Many types of paint are available for Pantone PMS 194 U 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 194 U spray paint made of?

To make spray paint matched to Pantone PMS 194 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.

How do I get the SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for paint matched to Pantone PMS 194 U?
The Pantone PMS 194 U 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 194 U?
The need for primer for Pantone PMS 194 U 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 194 U to a different color from another paint company?

While MyPerfectColor can provide PMS 194 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.