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Pantone™ PMS 520 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 520 U is a Pantone Matching System color associated with deep violet and magenta-leaning purple hues. It conveys a dramatic, formal, and dense visual character with a subdued brightness that reads serious and intentional in brand-driven environments.

Color characteristics

The color appears very dark, with an LRV of 6.24. It reads as cool overall, with a violet-to-magenta tendency.

The color is highly saturated, producing strong chromatic presence despite low lightness. A subtle red-magenta undertone is visible beneath the purple body.

Common uses

This color is commonly used in brand identity systems requiring a dark purple or violet anchor color. It appears in signage, displays, and branded environments where depth and contrast are important.

The color is also used in marketing installations that rely on saturated, low-light colors for visual impact.

Practical application

PMS 520 U works well on smooth, well-prepared surfaces where deep color uniformity is critical. Due to its low lightness and high saturation, it may benefit from careful priming and multiple thin coats to avoid patchiness, especially over lighter or uneven substrates.

Lighting and finish choice can significantly influence how dark or vivid the color appears in large branded areas.

Similar colors:

PMS 519 U: slightly lighter and less saturated, with a softer purple appearance.
PMS 521 U: lighter and cooler, with a more lavender-leaning violet tone.
PMS 2623 U: darker and more blue-leaning, with reduced magenta warmth.

Product Data

About Pantone and MyPerfectColor

MyPerfectColor is the official licensee of Pantone and authorized to reproduce the Pantone™ PMS 520 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 520 U color and produce outstanding results.

MyPerfectColor matches the Pantone PMS 520 U color based on Pantone color publications. The PMS 520 U color shown on this website are computer video simulations of the PANTONE PMS 520 U Color and may not match PANTONE®-identified Color standards. Refer to current PANTONE Publications to obtain accurate color.

The Pantone PMS 520 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 520 U

Why is Pantone PMS 520 U not recommended for touch-up on an existing painted surface?

Pantone PMS 520 U is a color communication standard, not a coating specification. It defines a visual color target, but it does not control sheen, film build, application method, or substrate. Because of this, a PMS 520 U paint match will not reliably blend into an existing finish that was applied with different materials, gloss levels, or aging conditions. Even small differences in sheen or surface texture can make the color appear off, which is why Pantone PMS colors are not recommended for touch-up or repair work.

How do I choose the right paint type for a Pantone PMS 520 U match?

Choosing the right paint type for Pantone PMS 520 U depends on where and how it will be used. Factors like substrate material, indoor or outdoor exposure, durability needs, and desired sheen all matter. If you are unsure, contact MyPerfectColor with details about the surface, environment, and finish expectations. This allows the team to recommend a paint format that supports accurate color reproduction and appropriate performance for your application.

What should I consider when using Pantone PMS 520 U in pop-ups or retail environments?

When using Pantone PMS 520 U in pop-ups or retail installations, durability and visual consistency are key. Evaluate the color under the actual lighting where it will be displayed, since lighting can significantly affect perception. Consider ordering samples to review coverage, sheen, and appearance on the intended substrate before committing to a full run. This is especially important for high-visibility brand elements and large surface areas.

Can Pantone PMS 520 U paint be expedited if I have a tight deadline?

Yes, expedited production may be available for Pantone PMS 520 U paint orders. Expedited options are typically shown during checkout. If your project has a firm deadline, it is best to contact MyPerfectColor in advance to confirm production timing and shipping expectations before placing the order.

How quickly will I receive my paint matched to Pantone PMS 520 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 520 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 520 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 520 U?
Many types of paint are available for Pantone PMS 520 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 520 U spray paint made of?

To make spray paint matched to Pantone PMS 520 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 520 U?
The Pantone PMS 520 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 520 U?
The need for primer for Pantone PMS 520 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 520 U to a different color from another paint company?

While MyPerfectColor can provide PMS 520 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.