GLOSS VALUES

GLOSS

Gloss is a term used to express the shine, sheen or lustre of a dried film. This refers to the reflective characteristics of a film, (usually measured at 60° to the vertical by a reflection or gloss meter).

Gloss: Smooth and almost mirror-like surface when viewed from all angles. Films with a high degree of reflectance. Gloss meter readings in excess of 65 units.

Semi-Gloss: Films with an intermediate range of reflectance - (readings between 30 and 65 units).

Eggshell: Low sheen films with gloss meter readings between 5 and 30 units.

Flat: Practically free from sheen even when viewed from oblique angles. Gloss meter readings will be less than 5 units.

 

Gloss values have been intentionally omitted from individual data sheets as they can be misleading.

Gloss values will vary depending on the cure time allowed prior to measuring. With many products, e.g. alkyds, the gloss continues to decrease over the prolonged curing time. In addition, the film thickness, method of application, drying conditions, and the type and level of colorants added will affect the final gloss of the coating. For these reasons, we do not consider absolute gloss values to be meaningful.

In order to make comparisons between the various products available, a list of gloss values are attached. These values are the typical gloss values of the product obtained from samples applied at 1.5 - 2 mils dry film thickness onto a smooth non-porous glass surface, using a bird applicator and allowed to dry overnight under standard conditions (25°C and 40-60% relative humidity).

The 85° Gloss is given for some products in the latex table to allow greater comparison of products. The 85° gloss (known to as the sheen of the product) measures the gloss at a low angle to the paint where more light is reflected allowing the greater classification of low gloss products.

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