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Pantone™ PMS 500 U

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PMS 500 U is a Pantone PMS color identified within the Pantone Matching System and is frequently selected for brand-driven applications that call for a grounded, restrained red. The color conveys a composed, traditional, and slightly subdued vibe with an emphasis on warmth, stability, and visual weight.

The color appears as a medium-dark red with an LRV of 31.6. This color reads warm, leaning toward a red base with subtle earthy influence. The color shows moderate saturation, avoiding a bright or vivid appearance.

This color carries a muted undertone that softens contrast and reduces glare.

PMS 500 U works well in brand environments where a serious, established tone is preferred over brightness. Because it is darker and moderately saturated, it may benefit from careful surface preparation and consistent film build to maintain uniformity, especially on lighter or uneven substrates. Finish and lighting can influence perceived depth, with lower-sheen finishes often helping preserve its subdued character.

The following examples reflect commonly cited branding associations and are based on publicly referenced design usage; they are illustrative, not exhaustive or exclusive. PMS 500 is widely cited in collegiate branding literature as being associated with Texas A&M University identity systems. This color family is commonly referenced in branding for institutions seeking a traditional, authoritative visual tone.

Similar colors:
PMS 499 U: slightly lighter and softer, with reduced visual depth.
PMS 1945 U: darker and more neutral, with less red warmth.
PMS 504 U: deeper and heavier, with increased shadowed character.

Product Data

About Pantone and MyPerfectColor

MyPerfectColor is the official licensee of Pantone and authorized to reproduce the Pantone™ PMS 500 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 500 U color and produce outstanding results.

MyPerfectColor matches the Pantone PMS 500 U color based on Pantone color publications. The PMS 500 U color shown on this website are computer video simulations of the PANTONE PMS 500 U Color and may not match PANTONE®-identified Color standards. Refer to current PANTONE Publications to obtain accurate color.

The Pantone PMS 500 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 500 U

What does PMS 500 U represent when used for brand experiences and displays?

PMS 500 U is a Pantone Matching System color used as a shared visual reference, not a paint formula or finish specification. When a brand specifies PMS 500 U, the goal is consistent visual appearance across marketing materials, displays, prototypes, and environments. MyPerfectColor produces paint matched to PMS 500 U so different vendors and components can align visually, even when applied to different substrates or formats.

Can I get PMS 500 U paint faster if I have a deadline?

Yes. Expedited production is often available for PMS 500 U and can be selected during checkout. Because turnaround depends on format and order details, it is best to contact MyPerfectColor before ordering if your deadline is fixed. This allows confirmation that expedited production will meet your required delivery date.

How accurate will a PMS 500 U paint match be compared to the Pantone reference?

Pantone colors like PMS 500 U are visual standards, and matching them in paint can involve challenges related to pigments, finish, and substrate. MyPerfectColor specializes in producing accurate Pantone matches, but small visual differences can occur depending on lighting, sheen, and application method. For critical brand approvals or high-visibility projects, ordering a sample first is recommended to confirm acceptance before full production.

What should I consider when applying PMS 500 U over a large surface area?

When applying PMS 500 U over large areas, plan for consistent coverage to avoid visible variation. Use the same application method, apply even coats, and allow proper flash and dry times between coats. Highly saturated Pantone colors may require additional coats to achieve uniform hide, especially on contrasting substrates. Testing on a representative area before full application helps reduce the risk of patchy or uneven appearance.

How quickly will I receive my paint matched to Pantone PMS 500 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 500 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 500 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 500 U?
Many types of paint are available for Pantone PMS 500 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 500 U spray paint made of?

To make spray paint matched to Pantone PMS 500 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 500 U?
The Pantone PMS 500 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 500 U?
The need for primer for Pantone PMS 500 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 500 U to a different color from another paint company?

While MyPerfectColor can provide PMS 500 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.