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Pantone™ PMS 511 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 511 U is a Pantone PMS color specified as a standardized visual reference for consistent color communication. It presents as dark, subdued, cool-leaning, saturated, and serious, conveying restraint and formality rather than brightness.

Color characteristics

The color appears very dark, with a low Light Reflectance Value (LRV 4.42). This color leans cool, with a violet-to-plum cast rather than red-purple warmth.

The color shows moderate saturation, appearing rich but not vivid or electric. This color carries a subtle blue-violet undertone that becomes more apparent in balanced or cool lighting.

Practical application

PMS 511 U works well in brand environments where depth and contrast are needed, especially alongside lighter neutrals or metallic accents. Because it is very dark, surface preparation and even application matter to avoid patchiness or gloss variation, particularly in higher-sheen finishes.

In low light, it can read nearly black, so evaluating a physical sample in the intended lighting helps confirm the desired purple presence.

Similar colors:


Pantone PMS 510 U: slightly lighter and warmer, with more red influence.
Pantone PMS 512 U: darker and cooler, with increased blue depth.
Pantone PMS 518 U: more muted and grayer, with reduced chromatic intensity.

Product Data

About Pantone and MyPerfectColor

MyPerfectColor is the official licensee of Pantone and authorized to reproduce the Pantone™ PMS 511 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 511 U color and produce outstanding results.

MyPerfectColor matches the Pantone PMS 511 U color based on Pantone color publications. The PMS 511 U color shown on this website are computer video simulations of the PANTONE PMS 511 U Color and may not match PANTONE®-identified Color standards. Refer to current PANTONE Publications to obtain accurate color.

The Pantone PMS 511 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 511 U

How should PMS 511 U be evaluated before using it in a pop-up or retail installation?

PMS 511 U is a Pantone reference color, not a paint formula, so the final appearance depends on material, sheen, and lighting. For pop-ups or retail environments, evaluate a physical sample painted in PMS 511 U under the same lighting where it will be installed. This helps confirm perceived depth, coverage, and uniformity before committing to a large run.

Because lighting can strongly influence how darker or saturated Pantone colors appear, sampling on the actual substrate is the safest way to avoid surprises during installation.

How does sheen choice affect the appearance of PMS 511 U?

Sheen has a direct impact on how PMS 511 U is perceived. Higher sheen finishes can appear darker or more saturated under bright lighting, while lower sheen finishes may read slightly softer and reduce glare. The right choice depends on viewing distance, lighting intensity, and the surface being coated.

If brand accuracy is critical, applying PMS 511 U in the intended sheen on a sample panel allows you to confirm that the visual result meets expectations before production.

What does the "U" suffix in PMS 511 U mean when ordering paint?

The "U" in PMS 511 U indicates a specific Pantone reference context. Pantone codes can exist in multiple series or suffixes, and those references are not interchangeable. PMS 511 without the correct suffix may represent a different color target.

Before ordering, confirm that PMS 511 U is the exact Pantone reference specified in your brand standards or project documentation to ensure you are matching the intended color.

What should I know before ordering PMS 511 U paint since it is custom made?

PMS 511 U paint is custom matched and made to order based on the Pantone reference. Because of this, changes to color, sheen, or product type are difficult after production begins.

If the application is high visibility or requires formal brand approval, ordering a sample first is recommended. Confirming the format, sheen, and appearance of PMS 511 U in advance helps reduce the risk of needing to reorder.

How quickly will I receive my paint matched to Pantone PMS 511 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 511 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 511 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 511 U?
Many types of paint are available for Pantone PMS 511 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 511 U spray paint made of?

To make spray paint matched to Pantone PMS 511 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 511 U?
The Pantone PMS 511 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 511 U?
The need for primer for Pantone PMS 511 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 511 U to a different color from another paint company?

While MyPerfectColor can provide PMS 511 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.