Gloss describes the amount of light reflected from a surface at a specified angle and can be used to characterise materials, compare samples or specifications, and evaluate changes in surface appearance.
Gloss is influenced by factors including surface smoothness and flatness. Results should be compared using equivalent materials and test conditions; for example, values obtained from transparent and opaque materials are not directly comparable.
Different measurement angles can be selected according to the surface and applicable test method. These include 20° for high-gloss surfaces and 60° or 85° for lower-gloss surfaces, with other geometries used where appropriate.
Standards and accreditation
Smithers can perform gloss measurement to a range of methods, including:
- ASTM D523 – specular gloss of non-metallic materials at 20°, 60° and 85°
- ASTM D2457 – gloss of plastic films and solid plastics
- ASTM C346 – 45° specular gloss of ceramic materials
- BS 2782:520A – specular gloss at 20°, 60° and 85°
- ISO 2813 – specular gloss of non-metallic paint films at 20°, 60° and 85°
Talk to our experts about your plastic material, specification or gloss measurement requirements.
