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.

To take care of a haze meter to make it last longer, ensure that it is cleaned, recalibrated regularly, and stored in a dry, dust-free place. 

The ΔE (Delta E) formula of the CIELAB color space is usually used to measure color difference. The difference is measured in a colorimeter or spectrophotometer to gauge the level of perceptibility of the difference between two samples in terms of L*a*b*.

Haze measurement can be distorted by scratches on the surface, dust, temperature, and light. 

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 automotive, aerospace, metal finishing, marine, construction, and manufacturing industries utilize and rely on coating thickness gauges the most. They ensure that coatings are within the expected criteria for functionality, safety, and durability.

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.

An 18% gray background reduces distractions and color bias, helping in a more accurate assessment.

A spectrophotometer and colorimeter are certain instruments used by scientists to measure color by quantifying reflected or transmitted light. The results are presented in color spaces, such as L*a*b*, RGB, or XYZ. This enables the accuracy of comparison and tracking of the changes in color in chemical or material research.

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.