Pantone™ PMS 301 U

Pantone PMS 301 U is a visual color reference, not a coating specification. It does not define sheen, film build, substrate, or application method. Because of that, matching an existing painted surface for touch-up work is unreliable, even if the color name is the same.

Small differences in gloss, texture, and aging will make a Pantone-matched repaint stand out next to an existing finish. PMS 301 U is best used when the Pantone color itself is the target, such as brand-facing displays or components, not when blending into a previously painted surface.

The choice between matte and gloss changes how PMS 301 U is perceived. Gloss finishes increase color punch and saturation but can introduce glare under strong lighting. Matte finishes reduce reflections and can look more controlled up close, but the color may appear slightly less vivid.

Viewing distance and lighting matter. For displays seen from farther away or under even lighting, gloss often delivers stronger visual impact. For close viewing or environments with bright directional lights, matte can be easier to read. The Pantone reference stays the same, but finish affects how closely the result meets visual expectations.

PMS 301 U is a saturated Pantone color, and colors like this often have lower natural hide than neutral tones. That means achieving a uniform appearance may require additional coats, especially over contrasting or uneven substrates.

For best results, apply PMS 301 U over a suitable base color and plan for coverage testing before full production. This helps confirm the number of coats needed to reach consistent color and avoids surprises during installation.

Start with a clean surface. Remove dust, oils, and residues using an appropriate cleaner, then allow the surface to dry fully. Light scuffing may be helpful on smooth or glossy substrates to improve adhesion, depending on the material.

Always apply a small test area first. This confirms adhesion, coverage behavior, and the visual result of PMS 301 U on your specific substrate before committing to full application.

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.

To make spray paint matched to Pantone PMS 301 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.

While MyPerfectColor can provide PMS 301 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.