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Pantone™ PMS 518 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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PMS 518 U is a Pantone Matching System color specified for consistent brand communication and material coordination. It conveys a subdued, serious, and refined vibe with characteristics that read as dark, reserved, and intentionally low-key rather than vibrant.

The color appears very dark, with an LRV of 3.52. It leans warm with a plum-to-burgundy tendency, shows low to moderate saturation, and carries a subtle red undertone that can shift with lighting.

PMS 518 U works well when a brand requires a dark, controlled color that avoids stark black while maintaining visual weight. Its depth makes surface preparation and consistent application important, and lighting can significantly influence perceived warmth and heaviness.

The following examples reflect commonly cited branding associations and are based on publicly referenced design usage; they are illustrative, not exhaustive or exclusive. Deep plum tones like this are frequently associated with luxury branding, editorial design, and premium packaging where restraint and sophistication are emphasized.

Similar colors:
PMS 517 U: slightly lighter and softer, with less visual depth. - PMS 518 C: darker and cleaner, with a more defined, ink-like appearance. - PMS 519 U: darker and warmer, with increased red influence and visual weight.

Product Data

About Pantone and MyPerfectColor

MyPerfectColor is the official licensee of Pantone and authorized to reproduce the Pantone™ PMS 518 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 518 U color and produce outstanding results.

MyPerfectColor matches the Pantone PMS 518 U color based on Pantone color publications. The PMS 518 U color shown on this website are computer video simulations of the PANTONE PMS 518 U Color and may not match PANTONE®-identified Color standards. Refer to current PANTONE Publications to obtain accurate color.

The Pantone PMS 518 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 518 U

How should I compare PMS 518 U samples during brand approval?

When approving PMS 518 U, compare samples under consistent lighting and on the same type of substrate. View the Pantone reference and the painted sample side by side, and avoid switching between different light sources during evaluation.

Allow the paint or spray paint to fully dry and cure before making a final decision. PMS 518 U can shift slightly as coatings dry, so early comparisons may not reflect the final appearance.

What should I plan for when applying PMS 518 U over large areas?

For large areas, PMS 518 U should be applied using a consistent technique and planned coat sequence. Maintain even spray distance or brush loading to avoid visible banding or patchiness.

Highly saturated Pantone colors like PMS 518 U may require additional coats to achieve uniform coverage. Test coverage on a representative area first so you can plan material quantities and application time accurately.

Why does PMS 518 U look different on different materials?

PMS 518 U is a color target, not a material-specific formula. Its appearance can change based on the substrate's absorption, texture, and reflectivity.

For projects using multiple materials, always evaluate PMS 518 U on each actual substrate used in the final build. This helps avoid surprises when the color is viewed across plastics, metals, wood, or other surfaces.

How should I plan shipping time when ordering PMS 518 U paint?

Shipping transit time for PMS 518 U depends on your location and the shipping method selected at checkout. Custom matched Pantone paint is produced to order, so production time should be considered alongside transit time.

If your project has a fixed deadline, build in buffer time for both manufacturing and shipping. Ordering earlier helps reduce risk if weather, carrier delays, or schedule changes occur.

How quickly will I receive my paint matched to Pantone PMS 518 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 518 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 518 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 518 U?
Many types of paint are available for Pantone PMS 518 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 518 U spray paint made of?

To make spray paint matched to Pantone PMS 518 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 518 U?
The Pantone PMS 518 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 518 U?
The need for primer for Pantone PMS 518 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 518 U to a different color from another paint company?

While MyPerfectColor can provide PMS 518 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.