1.What are the appearance and characteristics of highlights?
The surface is very glossy with strong mirror reflection and bright, eye-catching colors, but slight scratches or unevenness on the surface will be more noticeable.
2.How does the gloss level differ depending on the measurement angle?
60°: General standard, applicable to most medium-gloss coatings.
85°: Used to measure low-gloss surfaces, better distinguishing differences between low-gloss levels.
20°: Used to measure high-gloss surfaces, more sensitively reflecting subtle differences in high-gloss surfaces.
3.What is the potential relationship between gloss and performance?
Weather Resistance: Generally, matte/non-glossy coatings may have slightly better weather resistance (especially gloss retention) than high-gloss coatings. This is because high-gloss surfaces typically have a higher resin content and are smoother, potentially making them more sensitive to UV radiation; while matte coatings sometimes provide a physical barrier due to the matting agents (such as silica). However, this rule is not absolute; the coating formulation (such as resin type and additives) is the decisive factor. For example, high-quality PVDF high-gloss coatings still exhibit excellent weather resistance.
Stain Resistance and Cleaning: High-gloss surfaces are smoother and denser, less prone to dust accumulation, and easier to clean. Matte surfaces have a rougher texture, making it easier for stains to penetrate or adhere, requiring more careful cleaning.
4.How to choose the right gloss level?
Building Exterior/Roofing:
Low Gloss/Matte: Preferred for modern, minimalist, and industrial designs, reducing light pollution, providing a softer visual effect, and offering relatively lenient requirements on panel flatness.
Medium Gloss: A traditional and commonly used choice, balancing aesthetics and stain resistance.
Appliance Panels (e.g., refrigerators, washing machines):
High Gloss/Medium Gloss: Mainstream choice, appearing clean, bright, and technologically advanced.
Matte: Commonly used in high-end, fingerprint-resistant models, offering a superior texture.
Interior Decoration:
Neutral/Matte: Creates a warm, comfortable, and glare-free interior environment.
5.What are some things to keep in mind?
Clearly Define Standards: The gloss level and allowable tolerance range should be clearly specified in the procurement contract (e.g., specify "semi-gloss, 60° gloss value 50±5 GU"). This is crucial to avoid disputes.
Request Testing Reports: Require suppliers to provide coating performance testing reports from authoritative institutions, which should include measured gloss values.
Consider Batch Consistency: For large projects, ensuring consistent gloss across different production batches of color-coated coils is essential and should be emphasized in the contract.