Glossmeter

A glossmeter (also gloss meter) is an instrument which is used to measure gloss of materials such as paint, plastics and paper. Gloss is a measure of the proportion of light that has a specular reflection from the surface. A surface such as a mirror has a high gloss, where a surface such as chalk has less because the light reflected is diffused. Numerous international technical standards define the method of use and specifications of different types of glossmeter used on different types of materials. Some of these materials include ceramics, paper, metals, and plastics. A major user of gloss meters is the auto industry. The uses for automobiles extend from the factory floor to the repair shop.