1. What is Gloss?
2. What difference in gloss can a human see?
3. Why Measure Gloss?
4. How is Gloss Measured?
5. How do I choose a Gloss Meter?
6. Gloss Meter Configurations
7. Gloss Meter by Industry
8. Gloss Meter Industry Standards

5) How do I choose a Gloss Meter?

You first require a flat surface of approximately 2" by 0.5" (50 x 10mm) to position a glossmeter properly on a surface. If the surface area you have is smaller, then please call us to discuss the Novo Curve table top gloss meter for 2 x 2mm areas.

One must now judge your product by how glossy it is. Most products fall into a semi gloss range. Some are matte and designed to have very low gloss and others such as metals or car finishes are very high. There are three types that cover the complete range of gloss, namely the 20 degree, the 60 degree and the 85 degree glossmeters. Certain industries however suggest a different angle. These industries are; paper, ceramic, film, and vinyl). If you fall into one of these industries, please read Gloss Meter Selection by Industry. Some customers produce a range of products from very glossy to matte, then you would require a Universal gloss meter that measures all three angles or maybe you only make products from semi gloss to very high gloss, than you need the DUAL 20-60 degree gloss meter.

Low Gloss - 85°

For improved resolution of low gloss, a grazing angle of 85° is used to measure the surface. This angle is recommended for surfaces which measure less than 10 GU when measured at 60°.This angle also has a larger measurement spot which will average out differences in the gloss of textured or slightly uneven surfaces.

Medium or Semi Gloss - 60° - The Universal Measurement Angle

One must remember that all gloss levels can be measured using the standard measurement angle of 60°. This 60 degree angle is used as the reference angle for all products. So why choose some other another angle? Because for extreme gloss, one obtains better measurements with the complimentary angles of 85° or 20° often used for low and high gloss levels respectively.

High Gloss - 20°

The acute measurement angle of 20° gives improved resolution for high gloss surfaces. Surfaces that measure 70 GU and above at the standard angle of 60° are often measured with this geometry. The 20° angle is more sensitive to haze effects that affect the appearance of a surface. The different gloss of these two samples is more clearly shown in the 20° readings.

45° Glossmeter

The 45 degree glossmeter is used primarily for the ceramics and film producing industries.

75° Glossmeter

The 75 degree glossmeter is used primarily for the paper and vinyl producing industries.

6)Gloss Meter Configurations

Now you should know which angle is the correct one for your application and industry. We have a selection grid for you to choose from.

	Single angle instruments are available in each of the measurement geometries 20°, 45°,60°, 75°, and 85°).
	Dual angle instruments give improved performance for medium to high gloss applications for 20° and 60°.
	Triple angle instruments have an additional geometry; either 85° for improved resolution on matte surfaces or 75° for measuring paper and board to TAPPI standards.

Single Angle Gloss Meters

To view full product information and downloads click on the product below.

ANGLE	APPLICATION	NOVO GLOSS MODELS
	High Gloss	Novogloss Dualgloss 20/60° Gloss meter
	Ceramics / Aluminium	Novogloss Lite 45° Gloss meter
	Universal Measurement Angle	Novogloss 60° Gloss meter
	Small Area Or Curved Surface	Novo Curve Gloss Meter
	Paper, Board and Printing	Novo Gloss Trio (20/60/75°) Gloss meter
	Matte Finishes	Novogloss Trigloss 20/60/85° Gloss meter

Dual Angle Gloss Meters

To view full product information and downloads click on the product below.

ANGLE	APPLICATION	NOVO GLOSS MODELS
	60° - Universal measurement geometry. Measure any surface from ultra matte to mirror finish. 20° - Improved measurement on high gloss (>70GU @60°) e.g. plastics, coatings and polished metals.	Novogloss Dualgloss 20/60° Gloss meter

Triple Angle Gloss Meters

To view full product information and downloads click on the product below.

ANGLE	APPLICATION	NOVO GLOSS MODELS
	20° - improved measurement of high gloss levels. 60° - universal measurement angle. 85° - improved resolution on matte surfaces.	Novogloss Trigloss 20/60/85° Gloss meter
	20° - improved measurement of high gloss levels. 60° - universal measurement angle. 75° - measure paper/board to TAPPI standard.	Novo Gloss Trio (20/60/75°) Gloss meter