1) 

What is Gloss ?

Gloss is an aspect of the visual perception of objects.

Gloss is the attribute of surfaces that causes them to have shiny or lustrous, metallic or matte appearances.

Gloss is a visual impression that is caused when a surface is evaluated. The more direct light is reflected, the more
obvious will be the impression of gloss.

Gloss effects are based on the interaction of light with the physical properties of the sample surface. The other
influencing component is the physiological evaluation scale. The human eye is still the best tool to evaluate gloss
differences. However, the visual surface control is insufficient, because evaluation conditions are not clearly defined,
and people see and judge differently.

In addition, the subjective perception of appearance is dependent on the personal experience: what is glossy for a
paper manufacturer might be dull for an automotive maker. Gloss is measured by focusing on the reflected image
and not by focusing on the surface. Eyesight and mood have a decisive role in the visual judgment. Also, important is
what our eye is focused on. We evaluate a surface by focusing our eye on a reflected image of a light source. In
order to guarantee a reliable and practical quality assurance it is necessary to define appearance with objective,
measurable criteria. Accurate characterization of appearance does not only help to control quality, but improves
quality and optimizes manufacturing processes.

High Gloss

Smooth and highly polished surfaces reflect images distinctly. The incident light is directly reflected on the surface,
i.e. only in the main direction of reflection. The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.

Matte to Semi Gloss

On rough surfaces the light is diffusely scattered in all directions. The image forming qualities are diminished: A
reflected object does no longer appear brilliant, but blurred.

The more uniform the light is scattered, the less intense is the reflection in the main direction and the duller the
surface will appear.

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2) What difference in gloss can a human see ?

If two different coatings are measured, what number of gloss units would be detectable by the human eye, how many
units would be perceived as significantly different?

When measuring at 60 Degrees these detectable differences depend on the gloss level of the sample, for instance
3.0 GU difference measured on a very matte surface (perhaps 5GU), would be seen by the human eye but on a
higher gloss coating (perhaps 60 GU) the difference would be very difficult to notice.

The only way that you can determine tolerances for your products would be experimentally, perhaps preparing
printed samples at different gloss levels that you can show to end users of your coatings or internal "experts".

The other option is to change to a 20/60/85 degree instrument, the 85 degree glossmeter is more sensitive to
differences in gloss below 10 GU @ 60° and the 20 Degrees has higher resolution on high gloss coatings (above 70
GU @ 60°). The advantage of using the three angles is that there is more equality to the gloss differences, in our
experience a gloss difference of 5 GU, when measured with the correct geometry is just visible to a trained observer.

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3) Why Measure Gloss ?

Gloss is an aspect of the visual perception of objects that is as important as color when considering the psychological
impact of products on a consumer. In other words, "Gloss Sells" Gloss has been defined as the attribute of a surfaces
that causes it to have a shiny or lustrous, metallic appearance.

The gloss of a surface can be greatly influenced by a number of factors, for example the smoothness achieved during
polishing, the amount and type of coating applied or the quality of the substrate. Manufacturers design their products
to have maximum appeal. Such examples are; highly reflective car body panels, glossy magazine covers or satin
black designer furniture. Now what happens when products all of a sudden look different? Customers see this as a
defect, or poor quality. Using a glossmeter and having good quality control practices eliminates this variable as a
problem.

It is important therefore that gloss levels be consistent on every product or across different batches of products. Gloss
can also be a measure of the quality of a surface, for instance a drop in the gloss of a coated surface may indicate
problems with its cure- leading to other failures such as poor adhesion or lack of protection for the coated surface.

It is for these reasons that many manufacturing industries monitor the gloss of their products, from cars, printing and
furniture to food, pharmaceuticals and consumer electronics. We also have Gloss Sensors used in process for real
time gloss measurement. Please call us at 1-866-462-6832 to discuss the inline application.

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4) How is Gloss Measured?

Gloss is measured by shining a known amount of light at a surface and quantifying the reflectance. The angle of
the light and the method by which the reflectance is measured are determined by the surface.

Gloss is measured using a Gloss Meter also known as a Glossmeter) which directs a light at a specific angle to the
test surface and simultaneously measures the amount of reflection. The type of surface to be measured determines
the gloss meter angle to be used and thus the gloss meter model.

The intensity is dependent on the material and the angle of illumination. In case of nonmetals (coatings, plastics) the
amount of reflected light increases with the increase of the illumination angle. The remaining illuminated light
penetrates the material and is absorbed or diffusely scattered dependent on the color.

Metals

Metals have a much higher reflection and are less angle dependent than non metals. The measurement results of a
glossmeter are related to the amount of reflected light from a black glass standard with a defined refractive index, and
not to the amount of incident light. The measurement value for this defined standard is equal to 100 gloss units.
Materials with a higher refractive index can have a measurement value above 100 gloss units (GU), e.g. films.

In case of transparent materials the measurement value can be increased due to multiple reflections in the bulk of the
material. Due to the high reflection capabilities of metals values of up to 2000 GU can be reached. For these
applications it is common to document the measurement results in % reflection of the illuminated light. Glossmeters
and their handling procedures had to be internationally specified to allow comparison of measurement values. The
angle of illumination is of high influence. In order to obtain a clear differentiation over the complete measurement
range from high gloss to matte, 3 different geometries, i.e. 3 different ranges, were defined using a 60° glossmeter.

Gloss Range with 60° Gloss Measure

Meter With:

If Semi Gloss - 10 to 70
60 °
GU

If High Gloss > 70 GU 20 °

If Low Gloss < 10 GU 85 °

In this case study, 13 samples were visually ranked from matte to high gloss and measured with the 3 specified
geometries. In the steep slopes of the curves the differences between the samples can be clearly measured, while in
the flat part the measurement geometry no longer correlates with the visual. Gloss measurement for any application,
whether you are dealing with specific applications or need a universal solution for high to matte gloss samples,
www.gloss-meters.com offers a complete line of glossmeters.

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5) How do I choose a Gloss Meter?

You first require a flat surface of approximately 2" by 0.5" (50 x 10mm) to position a glossmeter
properly on a surface. If the surface area you have is smaller, then please call us to discuss
the Novo Curve table top gloss meter for 2 x 2mm areas.

One must now judge your product by how glossy it is. Most products fall into a semi gloss range.
Some are matte and designed to have very low gloss and others such as metals or car finishes are
very high. There are three types that cover the complete range of gloss, namely the 20 degree, the
60 degree and the 85 degree glossmeters. Certain industries however suggest a different angle.
These industries are; paper, ceramic, film, and vinyl). If you fall into one of these industries,
please read Gloss Meter Selection by Industry. Some customers produce a range of products
from very glossy to matte, then you would require a Universal gloss meter that measures all three
angles or maybe you only make products from semi gloss to very high gloss, than you need
the DUAL 20-60 degree gloss meter.

Low Gloss - 85°

For improved resolution of low gloss, a grazing angle of 85° is used to measure the surface. This
angle is recommended for surfaces which measure less than 10 GU when measured at 60°.This
angle also has a larger measurement spot which will average out differences in the gloss of
textured or slightly uneven surfaces.

Medium or Semi Gloss - 60° - The Universal Measurement Angle

One must remember that all gloss levels can be measured using the standard measurement angle
of 60°. This 60 degree angle is used as the reference angle for all products. So why choose some
other another angle? Because for extreme gloss, one obtains better measurements with the
complimentary angles of 85° or 20° often used for low and high gloss levels respectively.

High Gloss - 20°

The acute measurement angle of 20° gives improved resolution for high gloss surfaces. Surfaces
that measure 70 GU and above at the standard angle of 60° are often measured with this
geometry. The 20° angle is more sensitive to haze effects that affect the appearance of a surface.
The different gloss of these two samples is more clearly shown in the 20° readings.
45° Glossmeter

The 45 degree glossmeter is used primarily for the ceramics and film producing industries.

75° Glossmeter

The 75 degree glossmeter is used primarily for the paper and vinyl producing industries.

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6)Gloss Meter Configurations

Now you should know which angle is the correct one for your application and industry. We have
a selection grid for you to choose from.

Single angle instruments are available in each of the

measurement geometries 20°, 45°,60°, 75°, and 85°).

Dual angle instruments give improved performance for

medium to high gloss applications for 20° and 60°.

Triple angle instruments have an additional geometry;

either 85° for improved resolution on matte surfaces or
75° for measuring paper and board to TAPPI standards.
Single Angle Gloss Meters

To view full product information and downloads click on the product below.

ANGLE APPLICATION NOVO GLOSS  

 MODELS

High Gloss  

Novogloss Dualgloss 20/60° Gloss meter

Ceramics /
 
Aluminium

Novogloss Lite 45° Gloss meter

Universal
Measurement  
Angle

Novogloss 60° Gloss meter

Small Area Or
 
Curved Surface

Novo Curve Gloss Meter

Paper, Board
 
and Printing

Novo Gloss Trio (20/60/75°) Gloss meter

Matte Finishes  

Novogloss Trigloss 20/60/85° Gloss meter

Dual Angle Gloss Meters
To view full product information and downloads click on the product below.

NOVO GLOSS
ANGLE APPLICATION  
MODELS

60° - Universal measurement

geometry. Measure any
surface from ultra matte to
mirror finish.
 
20° - Improved measurement
on high gloss (>70GU @60°)
e.g. plastics, coatings and Novogloss Dualgloss 20/60° Gloss meter
polished metals.
Triple Angle Gloss Meters

To view full product information and downloads click on the product below.

NOVO GLOSS
ANGLE APPLICATION  
MODELS

20° - improved
measurement of high
gloss levels.

60° - universal
 
measurement angle.

85° - improved
Novogloss Trigloss 20/60/85° Gloss meter
resolution on matte
surfaces.

20° - improved
measurement of high
gloss levels.

60° - universal
measurement angle.

75° - measure
Novo Gloss Trio (20/60/75°) Gloss meter
paper/board to TAPPI
standard.

7) Gloss Meter by Industry

Many industries measure gloss to ensure the quality of their products. It has been shown that the gloss level of a
product has as much psychological impact on a consumer as its colour. Many products are designed with
combinations of high gloss and matte finishes, maximizing their customer appeal.

Surface quality can often be assessed by measuring gloss. For example poorly cured paints or coatings can exhibit
unusual gloss levels and can lead to chipping and flaking at a later stage in manufacture. Monitoring a product's gloss
means that problems such as these can be highlighted early, avoiding costs of re-coating or recalling products.

We offer gloss meters in ten single angle gloss meters, one DUAL, and three triple angle format glossmeters, and
the Novo-Curve for measuring curved surfaces, making www.gloss-meters.com the company with the most
comprehensive range of instruments in the market today.

  20° 60° 85° 45° 75°

Ceramic, Paper,
APPLICATION Coatings, plastics and related materials
Film Vinyl

  High Gloss Semi Gloss Low Gloss Semi Gloss Low Gloss

DIN EN ISO 2813    

ASTM D 523    

ASTM D 2457  

DIN 67530    

JIS Z 8741

ASTM C 346        

Tappi T 480        

Brightened Metal

En ISO 7668  
Automotive Industry Gloss Meter

The automotive industry invests in delivering quality products with gloss and color

levels that have maximum appeal to end customers. Gloss levels vary from mirror finish
chrome parts to very matte "soft touch" internal plastics. The automotive interior design is
getting more and more important in the purchasing decision. A big challenge for every car
manufacturer is to achieve a "feeling" of high value and at the same time minimize cost. A
variety of materials from leather to plastics, are used in the automotive field and need to
be harmonized for color and gloss. A design team specifies the color, gloss and grain.
Once a new color or material or process are approved, a new "style" is born, ready for
implementation. In order to guarantee a uniform look among the various gloss levels in automotive parts, very tight
tolerances are specified. Typical automotive gloss tolerances using a standard 60 degree glossmeter with gloss
levels under 5 GU can be 0.3 or 0.5 GU. Visual assessment is impossible with these tight color and gloss
tolerances.

As a starting point, master standard plaques are manufactured by the automotive customer with usually a flat and
several grained areas. These are sent to the automotive suppliers as their gloss target to achieve with actual
production parts.

As the master plaques and final parts are often made of different materials, the suppliers work closely with the
automotive maker. At the end, the final approval on color and gloss are given on the automotive production part. This
automotive production part now becomes the color and gloss standard for the supplier. Instead of working with
absolute gloss numbers from the supplier production standard, QC needs to be based on the signed-off part. This
procedure eliminates the reproducibility error as gloss is measured relatively on the sample type of material and
same surface.

Since visual assessment of gloss is impossible one must use a digital gloss meter. Special glossmeters
from Rhopoint with excellent precision are able to objectively control the production parts.

Two new methods for improved performance using glossmeters are now available to improve the accuracy and
repeatability when measuring in the critical 60 degree low gloss range of 0 to 10 GU levels.

From Rhopoint for automotive gloss applications, we offer the Novo Gloss LG family, "LG" for Low Gloss, by using
the Novo Gloss 60 "LG", Model NGL60D-LG.

High gloss finish paints for bodywork are controlled for gloss using the 20° angle. Mid-gloss plastic and wood finishes
are controlled using the 60° geometry and matte interior plastics can also be measured using the 85°. For automotive
suppliers measuring automotive parts from glossy to matt, we have the micro-TRI gloss S, Model AG-4437 or
Model GB-4437 (same).

Curved parts such as steering wheels, exhausts, chromed fittings and switches are measured using the 60
degree Novo-Curve. The statistical analysis feature is often used to control the variation in batches; the readings are
then downloaded and stored in our software as part of the end users quality system.

Automotive color for interior components is measured using an X-Rite SP64 also available from us. Please see
our Automotive Industry section.

Paints and Coatings Gloss Meter

Most paints and coatings are gloss controlled from formulation, checked regularly during manufacture and finally
during application. Changes in gloss levels anywhere in this process can lead to substantial visual differences in
batches offered to the end user. Closely controlling gloss means products are produced with maximum visual impact
and rejections are avoided. The protective coatings industry monitors gloss during the lifetime of a coating because
as the paint ages its gloss level drops. When it reaches a preset level the structure is re-painted ensuring that a
maximum lifespan is achieved from the coating without the risk of corroding the structure it protects. Paints and
coatings are primarily controlled using the 60° degree angle geometry, with the additional 20° and 85° geometries for
high gloss and matte coatings.

Furniture Industry Gloss Meter

Furniture can be painted, coated, varnished or stained to any gloss level from very matte to the highest gloss.
Throughout this process it is necessary to control the gloss of the products for batch consistency and to check that
the coating has been applied and is drying correctly.

Unexpected gloss levels are often an early warning of a problem with the formulation of a coating, the amount that
has been applied or the way it has cured.

The 60° geometry is standard in the furniture industry with some customers also specifying the additional 20° and 85°
angles. Large coated surfaces can be checked for gloss variations in seconds using the "Continuous Read" feature
which is standard in every Rhopoint Gloss meter.

Plastic Industry Gloss Meter

The plastic industry manufactures products of all shapes and sizes needing gloss measurement. Many of these,
including plastic products for the construction industry such as trim for double glazed windows, are measured using
the 60 degree angle.

Small gloss differences in these products can lead to rejections by customers and can be an indication of problems in
the manufacturing process or the quality of the raw plastic material.
Extruded pipe work is controlled using the Novo-Curve which is designed for curved surfaces. Small injection molded
parts, such as PDA or mobile phone parts are often curved or have an area that is too small to be measured with
traditional gloss meters. The Novo-Curve is used for these components.

Metal finishing Gloss Meter

Metallic parts and products are often plated, finished with a protective coating or polished to make them attractive to
the end user or as a functional protection from corrosion or wear As part of these processes, gloss is often used as a
quality control measure. In the rolled steel industry a 45° gloss meter is used to assess the quality of the rolled steel.
60° and 20° Novo Gloss glossmeters are used to check the finish on flat plated and polished metals. An Imbotec
Gloss Sensor can also be used within the process.

The Novo-Curve also used to assess the polishing on stainless steel pipe or the visual quality of items with a small
surface are such as gold plated pen nibs or metal watch bracelets.

Polished Stone Gloss Meter

Natural stone is processed to produce items with many different finishes dependent on their end use. Marble and
similar materials are polished to produce high gloss surfaces where other stone is left rough and matte in
appearance.

The Novo-Gloss meters are used to ensure batches of stone products match visually and to optimize the
manufacturing process so that the correct amount of finishing is consistently applied to each surface. The three
angles of our 20/60/85 degree Glossmeters give maximum flexibility with improved resolution on both matte and high
gloss stone finishes.

Printing Industry Gloss Meter

Gloss is an indispensable measure in the printing industry. Packaging and magazine covers are regularly UV
varnished for a quality glossy appeal to consumers and company brochures are given that professional edge with
lamination and varnish to give contrasting matte and gloss effects.

Gloss reduction in a coating can also be an indication of a curing or drying problem. For example, a drop in the output
of UV curing lamps can have disastrous effects on the quality of printed food cartons; uncured inks and coatings may
rub off the paper or even contaminate the food the carton is meant to be protecting.

By monitoring the gloss of the UV varnish these problems can be avoided. The gloss variation across a large printed
sheet can be assessed in seconds using the continuous read feature on our gloss meters. The gloss of paper is often
quantified using a 75° TAPPI glossmeter.

Most gloss levels in this industry are often quantified using the 60° geometry guaranteeing consistency in the visual
appearance of printed and finished products.

8) Gloss Meter Industry Standards

Many industries have adopted the 20/60/85° geometries as specified in ISO2813/ ASTM D523, however consult the
table below for more information on specific industries and their industrial standards.

The standard gloss unit (GU) is used; this is traceable to standards held at BAM (Germany), NRC (Canada) or NPL
(UK).

General Gloss measurement

ASTM D523 1999 (USA)
Test method for specular gloss
The principal ASTM specular gloss standard. Very similar to ISO 2813

ASTM D3928 1998 (USA)

Test method for evaluation of gloss or sheen uniformity

ASTM D4039 1999 (USA)

Test method for reflection haze of high-gloss surfaces

ASTM D4449 1999 (USA)

Test method for visual evaluation of gloss differences between surfaces of similar appearance

ASTM D5767 1999 (USA)

Test methods for instrumental measurement of distinctness of image gloss of coating surfaces

ASTM E340 1997 (USA)

Test methods for measurement of gloss of high-gloss surfaces by goniophotometry

ASTM E340 1997 (USA)

Test methods for measurement of gloss of high-gloss surfaces by goniophotometry

MFT 30-064 (South Africa)

Local version of ASTM D523

JIS Z8741 1997 (JAPAN) Method of measurement for Specular glossiness

Paint

IS0 2813 1994 (International)

Paints and varnishes - determination of specular gloss of non-metallic paint
films at 20°, 60° and 85°

The principal ISO specular gloss standard. Very similar to ASTM D523.

The following are technically similar to ISO 2813:

BS 3900:Part D5 1995 (UK)

Methods of test for paints - optical tests on paint films - measurement of specular gloss of non-metallic paint films at
20°, 60° and 85°

DIN 67530 1982 (Germany)

Reflectometer as a means for assessing the specular gloss of smooth painted and plastic surfaces

NFT 30-064 1999 (France)

Paints - measurement of specular gloss at 20, 60 and 85°.

AS 1580 MTD 602.2 1996 (Australia)

Paints and related materials, methods of test - introduction and list of methods.

JIS Z8741 1997 (Japan)

Specular glossiness - Method of measurement.

SS 18 41 84 1982 (Sweden)
Paints and varnishes - measurement of specular gloss of non-metallic paint films at 20, 60 & 85°
 Plastics

BS 2782: Pt 5, Method 520A 1992

Methods of testing plastics - optical and colour properties, weathering - determination of specular gloss

Similar to ISO 2813

ASTM D2457 1990

Test Method for Specular Gloss of Plastic Films and Solid Plastics Specifies the primary standard as a perfect mirror
with a defined gloss value of 1000. 20°, 60° and 45°; the 45° method is as ASTM C346 for ceramics.

Metals

BS6161: Part 12 1987

Methods of test for anodic oxidation coatings on aluminium and its alloys - measurement of specular reflectance and
specular gloss at angles of 20°, 45°, 60° or 85°

Ref. Std BS 3900: Part D5 (1980); technically equivalent to ISO 7668; replaces BS 1615:1972. At 45°, dimensions of
source image and receptor aperture are as for 60°. Squares with sides equal to the shorter sides of the rectangles
are also recommended. Alternatively, total reflection in a 45° prism is used as a reference; source image and
receptor aperture are then circular, both with angular diameter 3.44°± 0.23° (1.5 mm ± 0.1 mm at 25.4 mm focal
length)

IS0 7668 1986

Anodized aluminum and aluminum alloys - measurement of specular reflectance and specular gloss at angles of 20°,
45°, 60° or 85°.

IS0 5190
Anodizing of alumnium and its alloys - evaluation of uniformity of appearance of architectural anodic finishes -
determination of diffuse reflectance and specular gloss

ECCA T2 (European Coil Coating Association)

Specular gloss at 60°.

Paper

DIN 54502 1992

Testing of paper and board; reflectometer as means for gloss Assessment of paper and board

ASTM D1223 1998

Test method for specular gloss of paper and paperboard at 75°.

Has unusual converging beam geometry. Specifies the primary standard as black glass of refractive index 1.540, not
1.567, at the sodium D-line having a defined gloss value of 100.

ASTM D1834 1995

Test method for 20° specular gloss of waxed paper

Another unusual converging beam geometry, different to the previous one.

TAPPI T480 OM-90 1990 (USA)

Specular gloss of paper and paperboard at 75°

Same text as ASTM D 1223

TAPPI 653 1990
Specular gloss of waxed paper and paperboard at 20°

Same text as ASTM D 1834

JIS - Z8142 1993 (Japan)

Testing method for 75° specular gloss

Furniture

BS 3962: Part 1 1980

Methods of test for finishes for wooden furniture - assessment of low angle glare by measurement of specular gloss
at 85°.

Similar to ISO 2813: 1978

Floor Polish

ASTM D1455 1987

Test method for 60° specular gloss of emulsion floor polish

Ref. std ASTM D 523

Ceramics

ASTM C346 1987

Test method for 45° specular gloss of ceramic materials

Ref. std ASTM D 523

ASTM C584 1981

Test method for 60° specular gloss of glazed ceramic whitewares and related products

Ref. std ASTM D 523 {Sheen}

Fabrics

BS 3424: Method 31: Part 28 1993

Testing coated fabrics - determination of specular gloss