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).

Because of its unmatched precision, ease of use, adherence to global standards, and consistent long-term reliability.

A colorimeter is sufficient for basic, routine color checks, while a spectrophotometer is needed for precise, comprehensive color analysis—here’s the clear breakdown:

When a Colorimeter is Sufficient

1. Simple color matching needs: Ideal for checking if a sample matches a predefined standard (e.g., basic paint batches, plastic parts with solid colors).

2. Consistent lighting conditions: Works well when measurements are done under fixed, standard light sources (no need to account for varied light effects).

3. Cost-sensitive, high-volume tasks: Perfect for production lines requiring fast, low-cost color checks without advanced data analysis.

When to Use a Spectrophotometer

1. Precise color quantification: Necessary for measuring Lab values (lightness, red-green, yellow-blue axes) or detecting subtle color deviations (critical for automotive coatings, high-end textiles).

2. Complex color analysis: Required for metallic/pearlescent finishes, transparent materials, or samples with gloss/texture variations.

3. Compliance and documentation: Essential when precise color data (spectral curves) is needed for quality audits, regulatory compliance, or brand color standardization.

Spectrophotometer, Colorimeter, Gloss meter, Haze Meters, Coating thickness meter, window tint meter, UV meter, Leeb hardness tester, Light booth, Color Test Chart, Ultrasonic thickness gauge. Threenh Technology company adheres to independent design, research and development, production and sales of various measuring instruments. 

Color is a qualitative and quantitative measure. Qualitatively, it can be characterized by the hue, the saturation, and the brightness. It is quantified in terms of color spaces, such as L*a*b* or RGB, in terms of numerical values based on devices such as colorimeters or spectrophotometers.

Since part of the light will pass through the light-transmitting materials, the colorimeter is not suitable for color measurement of such kinds of materials; however, when place a pure color material with uniform texture under the light-transmitting material, we can measure the color difference between the standard and the sample. 

When using a Pantone light box, each sample should be positioned flat and nearby the other samples, but not overlapping. Each one should also be in the middle of the light box, and the surfaces of the light box should be clean and non-reflective.

Yes, we offer free samples for test, you are welcome to order samples to experience our excellent quality and service.

Assembling the light booth entails connecting the panels, fixing the light fixtures, fitting the tubes, and calibrating the lights according to our 3nh manufacturer’s instructional and safety guidelines.

Take L*a*b* readings of two samples using a colorimeter or spectrophotometer and calculate color difference using the 3 formula (Delta E). The difference in 0 is the reported Delta-E, which shows how visible the change is, whereas the thresholds define the acceptability as per the application requirements.