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Pantone™ PMS 688 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 688 U is a Pantone PMS color used as a standardized visual reference in brand and marketing workflows. It conveys a calm, subdued rose-magenta character with a composed, contemporary feel that sits between pink and red without appearing bright or playful.

The color presents as mid-dark with an LRV of 22.94 and leans warm with a red-magenta tendency. It shows moderate saturation and carries a muted rose undertone that softens contrast and visual sharpness.

This color works well where a controlled, brand-forward magenta or rose tone is needed without high brightness. Surface preparation, finish selection, and lighting can influence perceived warmth and depth, so sampling under installed conditions can help confirm results.

Similar colors:

PMS 687 U: slightly lighter and softer, with less depth and visual weight.
PMS 689 U: lighter and more open, with reduced red intensity.
PMS 7421 U: darker and more neutral, with a deeper red-brown influence.

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About Pantone and MyPerfectColor

MyPerfectColor is the official licensee of Pantone and authorized to reproduce the Pantone™ PMS 688 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 688 U color and produce outstanding results.

MyPerfectColor matches the Pantone PMS 688 U color based on Pantone color publications. The PMS 688 U color shown on this website are computer video simulations of the PANTONE PMS 688 U Color and may not match PANTONE®-identified Color standards. Refer to current PANTONE Publications to obtain accurate color.

The Pantone PMS 688 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 688 U

What does the 'U' mean in Pantone PMS 688 U, and why does it matter when ordering?

Pantone PMS 688 U includes a series suffix that identifies the reference context used by Pantone. The suffix can affect how the color is interpreted and reproduced.

Before ordering, confirm that PMS 688 U is the exact code specified in your brand standards or project documentation. Ordering the wrong series or suffix can result in a color that does not align with approvals or expectations.

When is a standard Pantone PMS 688 U paint match the right choice?

A standard Pantone PMS 688 U match is appropriate when the Pantone reference itself is the color target. This is common for brand-facing applications like displays, signage, exhibits, prototypes, and marketing installations.

If visual alignment to the Pantone standard matters more than matching an existing surface or coating, a PMS 688 U standard match is usually the correct starting point.

Why is Pantone PMS 688 U not recommended for touch-up or repair work?

Pantone PMS 688 U defines a color appearance, not a specific paint formula, sheen, or application condition. Existing finishes vary by substrate, texture, gloss, and aging, which Pantone references do not account for.

Because of these variables, a PMS 688 U match should not be expected to blend seamlessly with an existing painted surface. Pantone PMS colors are intended for visual color targeting, not touch-up matching.

What should I consider when using Pantone PMS 688 U paint on plastics or low-energy surfaces?

Plastics and low-surface-energy materials vary widely in how well they accept paint. Adhesion can depend on the specific plastic type, surface preparation, and primer selection.

When applying a PMS 688 U match to plastic, testing on the actual material is strongly recommended before production. This helps confirm adhesion, coverage, and final appearance under real conditions.

How quickly will I receive my paint matched to Pantone PMS 688 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 688 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 688 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 688 U?
Many types of paint are available for Pantone PMS 688 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 688 U spray paint made of?

To make spray paint matched to Pantone PMS 688 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 688 U?
The Pantone PMS 688 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 688 U?
The need for primer for Pantone PMS 688 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 688 U to a different color from another paint company?

While MyPerfectColor can provide PMS 688 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.