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Pantone™ PMS 523 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 523 U is a Pantone Matching System color commonly specified in brand standards where a soft purple tone is needed with controlled saturation. The color reads as calm, balanced, subdued, contemporary, and slightly cool in appearance.

The color presents as a mid-light purple with an LRV of 49.9. This color leans cool, with a noticeable violet bias rather than red warmth.

The color shows moderate saturation, avoiding high chroma intensity. The color carries a soft lavender undertone that keeps it from appearing heavy or dark.

PMS 523 U works well in brand environments where a purple presence is desired without strong contrast or visual aggression. As a mid-light, moderately saturated color, it generally covers more evenly than highly vivid purples, though surface uniformity and consistent film build still matter.

Lighting can shift the color between gray-lavender and clearer violet, so evaluating samples under installed lighting conditions can help confirm appearance.

Similar colors:

PMS 522 U: lighter and softer, with a more pastel lavender appearance.
PMS 524 U: darker and cooler, with increased depth and visual weight.
PMS 5245 U: slightly more neutral and grayed, with reduced purple clarity.

Product Data

About Pantone and MyPerfectColor

MyPerfectColor is the official licensee of Pantone and authorized to reproduce the Pantone™ PMS 523 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 523 U color and produce outstanding results.

MyPerfectColor matches the Pantone PMS 523 U color based on Pantone color publications. The PMS 523 U color shown on this website are computer video simulations of the PANTONE PMS 523 U Color and may not match PANTONE®-identified Color standards. Refer to current PANTONE Publications to obtain accurate color.

The Pantone PMS 523 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 523 U

What should I expect for coverage and hide when applying Pantone PMS 523 U paint?

Pantone PMS 523 U is a brand color target, not a coverage specification. Depending on the paint type, finish, and substrate, this color may require additional coats to achieve uniform hide.

Highly chromatic Pantone colors can show variation if applied too thin or over contrasting substrates. For predictable results, plan for proper surface prep, a compatible primer when needed, and multiple light coats rather than a single heavy coat.

How do I choose an interior or exterior paint option for Pantone PMS 523 U?

The Pantone PMS 523 U code defines the color appearance, not where the paint should be used. Interior or exterior suitability depends on the specific paint product you select.

Choose an interior-rated paint for controlled indoor environments and an exterior-rated paint for exposure to weather, sunlight, or temperature changes. Selecting the correct paint type is essential for durability and long-term appearance, even when the color target stays the same.

What VOC and safety considerations apply to Pantone PMS 523 U paint products?

VOC levels and safety requirements are determined by the specific paint product, not by the Pantone PMS 523 U color itself.

Always review the Safety Data Sheet for the exact product you order and follow recommended handling, ventilation, and application guidance. This ensures safe use regardless of the Pantone color being reproduced.

Is Pantone PMS 523 U a good reference if I need an exact match to an existing painted part?

Pantone PMS 523 U is intended as a brand color communication standard, not as a guarantee of an exact match to an existing painted surface.

If you need match accuracy that aligns to a specific, already-painted part, the correct path is to send a physical sample for custom matching. Pantone-based matching is best used for brand-facing applications where visual alignment to the Pantone reference is the primary goal.

How quickly will I receive my paint matched to Pantone PMS 523 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 523 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 523 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 523 U?
Many types of paint are available for Pantone PMS 523 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 523 U spray paint made of?

To make spray paint matched to Pantone PMS 523 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 523 U?
The Pantone PMS 523 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 523 U?
The need for primer for Pantone PMS 523 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 523 U to a different color from another paint company?

While MyPerfectColor can provide PMS 523 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.