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Pantone™ PMS 296 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 296 U is a Pantone PMS color defined within the Pantone Matching System as a deep navy blue with a controlled, understated character. It conveys seriousness, stability, and formality, with a low-light presence that can read nearly black in dim environments.

The color is extremely dark, with an LRV of 1.73, and reads distinctly cool due to its blue dominance. Its low to moderate saturation keeps it from appearing vivid, while a subtle neutral undertone softens the overall depth.

PMS 296 U works well in brand-facing elements where a dark blue is preferred over black for visual softness and differentiation. Due to its low lightness, careful surface preparation and even application can help prevent uneven appearance, and matte or satin finishes can reduce the visibility of surface imperfections under directional lighting.

Similar colors:
PMS 295 U: slightly lighter and more open, with clearer blue definition.
PMS 296 C: darker and cleaner, with a slightly crisper blue appearance.
PMS 540 U: lighter and more muted, with a grayer, less dense navy character.

Product Data

About Pantone and MyPerfectColor

MyPerfectColor is the official licensee of Pantone and authorized to reproduce the Pantone™ PMS 296 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 296 U color and produce outstanding results.

MyPerfectColor matches the Pantone PMS 296 U color based on Pantone color publications. The PMS 296 U color shown on this website are computer video simulations of the PANTONE PMS 296 U Color and may not match PANTONE®-identified Color standards. Refer to current PANTONE Publications to obtain accurate color.

The Pantone PMS 296 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 296 U

What safety and VOC expectations should I have when ordering paint matched to Pantone PMS 296 U?

Pantone PMS 296 U is a color reference, not a paint product. Safety, VOC content, and handling requirements depend on the specific paint type you order, such as spray paint, epoxy, or urethane.

Before use, review the Safety Data Sheet for the exact product you select and follow all application, ventilation, and handling guidance provided for that coating system. Do not assume safety characteristics based on the Pantone code alone.

Is Pantone PMS 296 U appropriate if I need a touch-up level color match?

No. Pantone PMS 296 U is intended as a brand color communication standard, not for touch-up or repair matching. If you need touch-up grade results where the paint must blend into an existing surface, a Pantone match is not the correct path.

For those situations, the correct approach is to send a physical part or sample so the color can be matched directly to the existing finish. Pantone matching is best used when visual brand accuracy is the goal, not surface-specific repair.

Why can Pantone PMS 296 U look different under various lighting conditions?

The appearance of PMS 296 U can change depending on lighting type, intensity, and viewing environment. Different light sources can shift how dark blues are perceived, a phenomenon known as metamerism.

For brand-critical projects, evaluate a sample of PMS 296 U under the same lighting where it will be displayed. This helps confirm acceptance before full production.

What should I consider when applying a Pantone PMS 296 U match to metal or powder-coated parts?

When applying PMS 296 U to metal or previously powder-coated parts, surface preparation matters. Cleaning, scuffing, and the condition of the existing coating can all influence the final appearance.

Gloss level and substrate can also affect how this very dark color is perceived. For important brand-facing components, review a sample on the actual material and finish before committing to production.

How quickly will I receive my paint matched to Pantone PMS 296 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 296 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 296 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 296 U?
Many types of paint are available for Pantone PMS 296 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 296 U spray paint made of?

To make spray paint matched to Pantone PMS 296 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 296 U?
The Pantone PMS 296 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 296 U?
The need for primer for Pantone PMS 296 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 296 U to a different color from another paint company?

While MyPerfectColor can provide PMS 296 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.