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PMS 226 U is a Pantone PMS color defined by a bold magenta-red appearance with strong saturation and visual energy. It is commonly specified as a brand color where intensity, recognition, and consistency are critical.

The color reads dark overall, with an LRV of 14.55, and leans warm toward red-magenta rather than purple. Its very high saturation and clean magenta undertone create a dense, assertive appearance that stands out under most lighting conditions. Higher-sheen finishes can increase perceived intensity and make surface irregularities more noticeable.

PMS 226 U works best in controlled, brand-facing environments such as signage, displays, and experiential elements where lighting and finish can be reviewed in advance. Its saturation level means careful surface preparation and even application are important, and additional coats may be needed to achieve uniform coverage over contrasting substrates. Compared to lighter or less saturated magentas, it appears heavier and more forceful, making finish selection a key decision.

The following examples reflect commonly cited branding associations and are based on publicly referenced design usage; they are illustrative, not exhaustive or exclusive. PMS 226 is widely cited in branding literature as the magenta tone associated with T-Mobile’s corporate identity system. It is also commonly referenced in fashion and beauty branding for its expressive, high-impact magenta character.

Similar colors:
PMS 225 U: slightly lighter and brighter, with a more open magenta appearance.
PMS 227 U: darker and heavier, with increased depth and visual weight.
PMS 214 U: more pink-forward and slightly less saturated, with a softer magenta read.

Product Data

About Pantone and MyPerfectColor

MyPerfectColor is the official licensee of Pantone and authorized to reproduce the Pantone™ PMS 226 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 226 U color and produce outstanding results.

MyPerfectColor matches the Pantone PMS 226 U color based on Pantone color publications. The PMS 226 U color shown on this website are computer video simulations of the PANTONE PMS 226 U Color and may not match PANTONE®-identified Color standards. Refer to current PANTONE Publications to obtain accurate color.

The Pantone PMS 226 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 226 U

Why does PMS 226 U look different on plastic, metal, and wood?

PMS 226 U is a Pantone color reference, not a material-specific paint formula. When applied to different substrates like plastic, metal, or wood, the color can appear different due to absorption, surface texture, and reflectivity. Highly saturated colors like PMS 226 U are especially sensitive to these factors.

To reduce risk, evaluate PMS 226 U on the actual materials used in your final build. This is strongly recommended for multi-material displays, exhibits, or brand environments where visual consistency matters.

What should I consider when applying PMS 226 U over a large area?

PMS 226 U is a vivid, saturated Pantone color, which can require careful application to maintain uniform appearance over large areas. Inconsistent film build or rushed coverage can lead to patchiness or visible variation.

Plan for consistent application technique, even overlap, and sufficient coats to achieve full hide. For large, high-visibility surfaces, testing coverage on a sample panel first helps confirm the number of coats and visual result before full production.

How long does it take to receive a PMS 226 U Pantone matched paint order?

Shipping time for a PMS 226 U Pantone matched paint order depends on your location, the paint format selected, and the shipping method chosen at checkout. Production time and carrier transit time both affect delivery.

If PMS 226 U is needed for a scheduled marketing, display, or brand activation, plan ahead and allow buffer time for transit. Ordering early helps avoid last-minute delays, especially for time-sensitive projects.

How quickly will I receive my paint matched to Pantone PMS 226 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 226 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 226 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 226 U?
Many types of paint are available for Pantone PMS 226 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 226 U spray paint made of?

To make spray paint matched to Pantone PMS 226 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 226 U?
The Pantone PMS 226 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 226 U?
The need for primer for Pantone PMS 226 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 226 U to a different color from another paint company?

While MyPerfectColor can provide PMS 226 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.