Figure 1 shows a black and a blue paint drawdown with the same pigmentation, but different degrees of gloss. It is obvious that the side with the higher degree of gloss is visually perceived as darker and more saturated than the mat side. For this reason, it is very important to measure both surface effects separately. Otherwise, the visible difference may be interpreted as a difference in color, although the real reason is a difference in gloss. For the manufacturer, the changes necessary to adjust the color are different from a gloss correction. The hue (color) is influenced mainly by the type or amount of pigmentation. Gloss is dependent on the degree of pigment dispersion, additives used, and application techniques.
In order to completely describe and analyze visual mismatches, color and gloss need to be objectively measured. Today's modern technologies allow for both measuring systems in one instrument. The spectro-guide gloss from BYK-Gardner simultaneously measures color and 60° gloss according to international standards. This cuts the time for measurement and evaluation in half and optimizes process control.