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PMS 287 U is a Pantone PMS color defined as a deep, cool blue with a formal, corporate character. It is often described as bold, grounded, and visually authoritative within brand and marketing contexts.

The color reads as very dark due to its low Light Reflectance Value (LRV 4.1) and maintains high saturation despite its depth. It carries a cool blue tendency with a subtle blue-violet cast and an inky undertone rather than a muted or gray base.

PMS 287 U performs well in brand-facing applications such as signage, displays, and fabricated elements where consistency and visual weight are important. Its depth can make coverage more demanding, so priming and lighting evaluation can help achieve a uniform, predictable appearance.

The following examples reflect commonly cited branding associations and are based on publicly referenced design usage; they are illustrative, not exhaustive or exclusive. PMS 287 is widely cited in branding literature as part of long-standing corporate identity systems using dark blue to signal trust and stability, and it is commonly referenced in discussions of legacy airline, financial, and institutional branding palettes.

Similar colors:
PMS 286 U: slightly brighter and more open, with higher perceived clarity.
PMS 288 U: darker and heavier, with increased visual weight.
PMS 280 U: more muted and neutral, with reduced chromatic intensity.

Product Data

About Pantone and MyPerfectColor

MyPerfectColor is the official licensee of Pantone and authorized to reproduce the Pantone™ PMS 287 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 287 U color and produce outstanding results.

MyPerfectColor matches the Pantone PMS 287 U color based on Pantone color publications. The PMS 287 U color shown on this website are computer video simulations of the PANTONE PMS 287 U Color and may not match PANTONE®-identified Color standards. Refer to current PANTONE Publications to obtain accurate color.

The Pantone PMS 287 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 287 U

What durability should I expect from Pantone PMS 287 U spray paint?

Pantone PMS 287 U spray paint is produced to visually match the Pantone reference, not to guarantee a specific durability level. Durability depends on surface preparation, the paint type selected, whether a clear topcoat is used, and the environment where it is installed.

For indoor brand displays or short-term marketing installations, standard spray formats are typically appropriate. For higher handling, outdoor exposure, or longer installs, choose a paint type designed for that exposure and consider a compatible clear coat. Always test on the actual substrate to confirm coverage, adhesion, and appearance before full production.

Should I order a sample of Pantone PMS 287 U before a larger production run?

Yes. For Pantone PMS 287 U, ordering a small sample is recommended when the color is part of a brand approval or signoff process. Sampling lets you evaluate the color on the real substrate, with the selected finish, and under the lighting where it will be seen.

This step helps confirm visual acceptance before committing to larger quantities, especially for high-visibility brand elements or multi-material builds where perception can vary.

What does the 'U' mean in Pantone PMS 287 U, and why does it matter when ordering?

The 'U' in Pantone PMS 287 U indicates the specific Pantone reference series used as the visual standard. Pantone codes can include suffixes or series context, and those details matter when matching a brand specification.

Before ordering, confirm that PMS 287 U is the exact reference called out in your brand standards or project documentation. Ordering a different series or suffix, even with the same base number, can result in a color that is not considered acceptable for brand review.

How do I choose the right paint type for Pantone PMS 287 U for interior versus exterior use?

When ordering Pantone PMS 287 U, select the paint type based on where and how the color will be used. Interior applications such as displays, exhibits, or retail graphics typically prioritize visual accuracy and finish.

For exterior or higher exposure environments, choose a paint type formulated for those conditions rather than defaulting to an interior option. The Pantone color target remains the same, but performance expectations should drive the product selection. Sampling is recommended to confirm appearance and coverage in the intended setting.

How quickly will I receive my paint matched to Pantone PMS 287 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 287 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 287 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 287 U?
Many types of paint are available for Pantone PMS 287 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 287 U spray paint made of?

To make spray paint matched to Pantone PMS 287 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 287 U?
The Pantone PMS 287 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 287 U?
The need for primer for Pantone PMS 287 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 287 U to a different color from another paint company?

While MyPerfectColor can provide PMS 287 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.