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Pantone™ PMS 3242 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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Color summary PMS 3242 U is a Pantone PMS color specified as a standardized visual reference in branding and design. It presents a light, airy blue-green character with a contemporary and approachable feel.

Color characteristics The color reads as light with an LRV of 58.49 and shows a clearly cool temperature. It has moderate saturation and a subtle green undertone that keeps the appearance fresh rather than vivid.

Practical application PMS 3242 U is often used for displays, signage, and branded components that benefit from a lighter blue-green tone. Because of its lightness, primer choice and surface contrast can affect coverage, and lighting conditions can influence whether it appears more blue or green.

Similar colors:
PMS 3252 U: slightly lighter and more open, with a softer aqua appearance.
PMS 3245 U: a bit deeper and more saturated, with stronger teal presence.
PMS 323 U: darker and more subdued, with reduced brightness and clarity.

Product Data

About Pantone and MyPerfectColor

MyPerfectColor is the official licensee of Pantone and authorized to reproduce the Pantone™ PMS 3242 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 3242 U color and produce outstanding results.

MyPerfectColor matches the Pantone PMS 3242 U color based on Pantone color publications. The PMS 3242 U color shown on this website are computer video simulations of the PANTONE PMS 3242 U Color and may not match PANTONE®-identified Color standards. Refer to current PANTONE Publications to obtain accurate color.

The Pantone PMS 3242 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 3242 U

What does the name PMS 3242 U mean, and how should I order PMS 3242 U to avoid mistakes?

PMS 3242 U is a Pantone Matching System color code. The number 3242 identifies the specific color target, and the suffix U means it is defined from the Pantone Uncoated guide. When ordering PMS 3242 U paint, always include the full code with the U suffix. Ordering by name alone or without the suffix can result in a different color reference, such as the coated version, which will not visually match under the same conditions.

Pantone PMS codes are communication standards, not paint formulas. MyPerfectColor reproduces PMS 3242 U as a visual color match, so providing the exact code is the most important step to getting the correct target.

Which sheen should I choose for PMS 3242 U paint, and how does sheen affect the color?

Sheen has a direct effect on how PMS 3242 U is perceived. Higher gloss sheens reflect more light, which can make the color appear brighter and more saturated. Lower sheen options reduce reflection and can make the same color appear slightly softer or darker.

When choosing a sheen for PMS 3242 U, consider viewing distance, lighting, and the substrate. For brand-facing displays or signage viewed from a distance, higher sheen is often acceptable. For close-viewed surfaces or areas with strong lighting, a lower sheen may help control glare. If appearance is critical, testing PMS 3242 U in the intended sheen is recommended before final production.

Can PMS 3242 U be used to touch up or match an existing painted surface?

PMS 3242 U is not recommended as a touch-up specification for existing painted surfaces. Pantone PMS colors do not define sheen, substrate, application method, or aging conditions, all of which strongly affect appearance.

If you apply PMS 3242 U next to an existing finish, even one originally intended to represent the same Pantone color, visible differences are likely. PMS references are best used when the Pantone color itself is the target, such as for displays, signage, prototypes, or brand environments, rather than for matching an existing coating.

What if I need PMS 3242 U paint quickly for a tight deadline?

If timing is critical, expedited production options for PMS 3242 U may be available during checkout. Expedited service can shorten production time, but availability depends on product type, quantity, and current production load.

For deadline-sensitive projects such as marketing installations or displays, it is best to contact MyPerfectColor before ordering to confirm lead time and delivery expectations for PMS 3242 U. This helps ensure the schedule aligns with your project needs.

How quickly will I receive my paint matched to Pantone PMS 3242 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 3242 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 3242 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 3242 U?
Many types of paint are available for Pantone PMS 3242 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 3242 U spray paint made of?

To make spray paint matched to Pantone PMS 3242 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 3242 U?
The Pantone PMS 3242 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 3242 U?
The need for primer for Pantone PMS 3242 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 3242 U to a different color from another paint company?

While MyPerfectColor can provide PMS 3242 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.