A gloss meter (also gloss meter) is an instrument used to measure the specular reflection (gloss) of a surface. Gloss is determined by projecting a beam of light onto a surface at a fixed intensity and angle and measuring the amount of reflected light at an equal but opposite angle.
There are many different geometries for gloss measurement, each depending on the type of surface being measured. For non-metals such as paints and plastics, the amount of reflected light increases with the angle of illumination because some light penetrates the surface material and is absorbed or diffused by it, depending on its color. Metals are more reflective and therefore less dependent on angle.
There are a number of international technical standards which define the usage and specifications of different types of gloss meters for use on various types of materials including paints, ceramics, paper, metals and plastics. Many industries use gloss meters in their quality control to measure the gloss of products to ensure the consistency of their manufacturing process. The automotive industry is a major user of gloss meters, with applications ranging from the factory floor to the repair shop.