Depending on the scale of the manufacturer, its matte, low-sheen finish can be called gloss level 3. Overall, gloss levels in certain standards go between 1 (flat) to 7 (high gloss). Level 3 is considered low-gloss or satin-like.

Gloss levels are usually of five types, namely, matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high gloss. These categories are of rising levels of reflectivity of the surface and are utilized to characterize the completion of paints, coatings, and other substances.

Gloss level is not given out in percentage but in gloss units (GU). In practice, however, 100 GU is considered 100 percent reflective. To contrast visually, the 20-40 GU is a low-gloss surface, and 85 or more is almost 100 percent mirror-like reflection.

An 80 gloss surface will reflect less light as compared to a 100 gloss surface. Both are said to be high gloss, although 100 GU (or higher) reflects almost as much as a mirror. The distinction can be slight in graphic terms, but major in specific uses.

The gloss meter is used to measure the gloss level: it is a device that directs the light at a fixed angle and reads the intensity of the reflected light. The angles, such as 60°, 20°, or 85°, are applied depending on the type of surface and the range of gloss.

Powder paint gloss levels are classified as:

● Flat: 0–10 GU

● Satin: 11–40 GU

● Semi-gloss: 41–70 GU

● Gloss: 71–85 GU

● High Gloss: 86+ GU
 

These are measured at a 60° angle for standardization.

Gloss is the general reflectivity of a surface, which encompasses a variety of degrees. One particular type of finish is high gloss, which has the maximum shine and reflectance. It increases the richness but emphasizes flaws as compared to satin or matte.

The gloss meter is used to measure gloss at typical angles (typically 20°, 60°, or 85°). The instrument illuminates the material and measures the amount of light reflected and states the outcome in gloss units (GU), which is related to perceived brilliance.

Powder paint gloss levels are commonly classified as:

● Flat/Matte: 0–10 GU

● Satin: 10–40 GU

● Semi-Gloss: 40–70 GU

● Gloss: 70–85 GU

High Gloss: 85+ GU
These ranges can vary by manufacturer and application angle.

Gloss is a broad term to describe the reflectivity of a surface. Whereas high gloss is a specific term that has the highest reflectance (usually more than 70 GU). High gloss finishes are shiny, mirror-like, and exhibit more surface blemishes than lower gloss finishes.

Smooth and uniform surfaces with a large amount of reflected light directly result in high gloss. Some of the factors are the smoothness of the surface, the type of paint that is being used, the thickness of the coating, and curing. The lesser the surface irregularities, the greater the gloss.

 The five common gloss levels are:

1. Flat/Matte (0–10 GU)

2. Eggshell (10–25 GU)

3. Satin (26–40 GU)

4. Semi-gloss (41–70 GU)

High Gloss (71–100+ GU)
These levels vary slightly depending on industry and standards used.

There is no generic mathematical formula for gloss value. Rather, it is measured directly with a gloss meter, which compares how strongly reflected light from a sample matches a standard (typically black glass with a known reflectance).

Gloss paint can be identified by visual inspection and using a gloss meter. The high gloss paints are shiny and reflective like a mirror, satin or eggshell has a soft sheen, whereas the matte paint is non-reflective with very little or no reflection.

The gloss of the paint is defined by the measurement of light reflection at the surface of the paint with the help of a gloss meter. The angle and quantity of light reflected determine the level of gloss, with smoother and reflective surfaces having a higher level of gloss.

The gloss scale is normally measured against the scale of 0 to 100 gloss units (GU). The scale is zero at matte and 100 at a mirror. Other very smooth surfaces can be over 100 GU at lower angles, such as 20°.

The most common standard measuring gloss is ASTM D523, which covers the procedures of using a gloss meter at 20°, 60°, and 85° angles. The other international standard that is widely used in industrial and laboratory applications is the ISO 2813.

Gloss level is the extent of reflectance of light on a surface. It measures the shininess or dullness of a finish, from flat or matte to high gloss. It is important in aesthetic, functional, and quality control applications.

Readings of gloss meters in gloss units (GU) are used to measure shine on the surface. Low GU (0-10) is matte, 10-70 semi-gloss or satin, and above 70 is glossy. Measurement angle is given to the readings: 60° is the normal, 20° is the high gloss, and 85° is the low gloss.

A paint gloss meter is used to measure the level of paint gloss, whereby it reflects light at some angles, such as 20°, 60°, or 85° angles, and measures the intensity of that light. To measure surface sheen, the level of gloss is compared to standards that are calibrated and reported in units of gloss (GU).