Pantone™ PMS 2018 U

For PMS 2018 U, apply multiple light coats rather than one heavy coat. Thin coats help the color build evenly, reduce the risk of runs, and improve uniform appearance, which is important for brand-facing work.

Allow each coat to flash off before applying the next. Flash time varies with temperature, airflow, and surface type, so rely on visual cues like a tack-free surface rather than a fixed time. A quick test panel is recommended before full application.

Proper surface prep is essential for PMS 2018 U to appear consistent and adhere well. Start by cleaning the surface to remove dust, oils, and residues. Degrease if needed, especially on plastics or metals.

Light scuffing can improve adhesion on smooth surfaces, followed by a final wipe-down. Always test the color on the actual substrate you plan to use, since surface texture and base color can influence how the Pantone match is perceived.

PMS 2018 U is a Pantone color reference, not a complete coating specification. Pantone standards do not define sheen, film build, substrate, or aging, all of which strongly affect how a color looks once applied.

Because of these variables, using PMS 2018 U as a touch-up reference on an existing finish often leads to visible differences. Pantone PMS colors are best used for new, brand-driven applications where visual alignment to the Pantone target is the goal, not for matching an aged or previously applied coating.

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.

To make spray paint matched to Pantone PMS 2018 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.

While MyPerfectColor can provide PMS 2018 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.