Pantone™ PMS 388 U

PMS 388 U is a Pantone reference target, not a fixed paint formula. When you reorder, the best way to keep results consistent is to order the same product type and sheen each time and approve against the same reference. Changes in finish, application method, or substrate can shift how PMS 388 U appears, even if the Pantone target is the same.

For repeat projects, keep a physical approval sample from the first run and compare new orders under the same lighting. This approach helps manage expectations and reduces visible variation across batches.

Whether PMS 388 U needs a primer depends on the paint format, the substrate, and exposure conditions. Primers are commonly recommended on raw, porous, or uneven surfaces to improve adhesion and color uniformity.

Highly saturated Pantone colors like PMS 388 U may also benefit from a compatible primer to improve coverage and reduce the number of topcoats. If you are working on a critical brand application, testing the full system on your actual substrate before production is the safest approach.

The finish you choose can noticeably change how PMS 388 U is perceived. Matte finishes reduce glare and can appear softer, but they may slightly mute saturation. Glossier finishes tend to make colors look brighter and more vivid, especially under strong lighting.

Viewing distance and lighting matter. For close-up displays or environments with directional lighting, matte may control reflections. For signage or displays meant to stand out from a distance, a higher gloss can increase visual impact. Always review a sample in the intended finish before finalizing your order.

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 388 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 388 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.