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Pantone™ PMS 288 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 288 U is a Pantone PMS color used as a standardized visual reference for consistent color matching across vendors and materials. The color conveys a deep, formal, corporate, restrained, and confident navy-blue character.

The color appears very dark, with a low Light Reflectance Value of 2.99. This color reads as cool, leaning toward a blue-violet direction, and shows strong saturation with a subtle violet undertone that deepens its navy character.

PMS 288 U works well when strong contrast, formality, and visual weight are needed, particularly in brand-facing displays and signage. Due to its very dark value and high saturation, uneven coverage or surface variation can be noticeable, and lighting and finish choices can significantly influence its 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 288 is widely cited in branding literature as a core component of Ford Motor Company’s corporate blue system, and this color family is commonly referenced in professional sports branding, including associations with the National Football League.

Similar colors:
PMS 282 U: darker and more subdued, with reduced blue clarity.
PMS 287 U: slightly lighter and more open, with increased visibility at a distance.
PMS 289 U: darker and more neutral, with heavier visual weight.

Product Data

About Pantone and MyPerfectColor

MyPerfectColor is the official licensee of Pantone and authorized to reproduce the Pantone™ PMS 288 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 288 U color and produce outstanding results.

MyPerfectColor matches the Pantone PMS 288 U color based on Pantone color publications. The PMS 288 U color shown on this website are computer video simulations of the PANTONE PMS 288 U Color and may not match PANTONE®-identified Color standards. Refer to current PANTONE Publications to obtain accurate color.

The Pantone PMS 288 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 288 U

Why is Pantone PMS 288 U not recommended as a touch-up reference for existing finishes?

Pantone PMS 288 U is a color communication standard, not a finish specification. It does not define sheen, substrate, film build, or aging conditions. Because those factors strongly affect appearance, using PMS 288 U to try to blend into an existing coating often results in visible differences.

Pantone PMS colors are best used when PMS 288 U itself is the target for a brand-facing surface, display, or component. If the goal is to visually blend with an existing painted surface, a sample-based or OEM-specific match is typically a more reliable path.

How should I choose a sheen when ordering PMS 288 U paint?

Sheen has a direct impact on how PMS 288 U appears. Higher sheen levels generally look darker and more saturated, while lower sheen levels can appear flatter and slightly lighter under the same lighting.

When choosing a sheen for PMS 288 U, consider viewing distance, substrate smoothness, and how critical visual impact is to the application. If brand approval is required or lighting conditions are complex, ordering a sample in the selected sheen can help confirm appearance before full production.

What is the difference between the name and code for Pantone PMS 288 U, and which should I use when ordering?

Pantone PMS 288 U is defined by its full code, including the U suffix. The code identifies the exact Pantone target, while the name alone can be ambiguous.

When ordering, always specify the complete Pantone code exactly as PMS 288 U. Omitting or changing the suffix can result in a different color reference and an unintended outcome.

Can PMS 288 U be produced on an expedited timeline if I have a deadline?

Expedited production is often available for PMS 288 U and can be selected during checkout when timing is critical. Availability can vary based on format, quantity, and current production load.

If you have a fixed deadline, contacting MyPerfectColor before ordering is the best way to confirm whether an expedited option will meet your schedule.

How quickly will I receive my paint matched to Pantone PMS 288 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 288 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 288 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 288 U?
Many types of paint are available for Pantone PMS 288 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 288 U spray paint made of?

To make spray paint matched to Pantone PMS 288 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 288 U?
The Pantone PMS 288 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 288 U?
The need for primer for Pantone PMS 288 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 288 U to a different color from another paint company?

While MyPerfectColor can provide PMS 288 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.