What Is a Gloss Meter? Working Principle, Uses & Benefits Explained
Jaskaran
2025-07-24
A gloss meter is instrument designed to measure the reflective properties (gloss) of a surface. It quantifies how much light is reflected from material when light strikes its surface at specific angle. The unit of measurement is "Gloss Units" (GU), where higher values indicate shiny surfaces.
Gloss Meter
A gloss meter is an instrument designed to measure the reflective properties (gloss) of a surface. It quantifies how much light is reflected from a material when light strikes its surface at a specific angle.
How It Works
- Illumination
A collimated light source shines onto the test surface at a fixed angle (e.g. 20°, 60°, or 85°). - Detection
A sensor, positioned at the mirror‑angle to the light source, measures the intensity of the reflected light. - Calculation
The instrument compares the reflected intensity against a reference standard and reports the result in Gloss Units (GU).
Key Features
- Fixed Measurement Angles
- 20° for high‑gloss surfaces
- 60° for medium‑gloss surfaces
- 85° for low‑gloss (matte) surfaces
- Digital Readout
Instant display of gloss values - Portability
Handheld models available for on‑site testing - Repeatability
Consistent measurements with built‑in calibration standards
Gloss Units (GU)
- The unit of measurement is Gloss Units (GU).
- Higher GU values indicate a shinier, more reflective surface.
- Example ranges:
Surface Type Typical GU (60°) Matte finish 0 – 10 GU Satin finish 10 – 70 GU High‑gloss finish 70 – 100+ GU
Applications
- Painting & Coatings
- Automotive & Aerospace
- Plastics & Polymers
- Furniture & Wood Finishes
- Paper & Packaging
Gloss meters are essential tools in quality control and R&D to ensure consistency, durability, and visual appeal of coated and polished surfaces.