AS 1580 (602.2)

Introducing AS 1580 (602.2) – Industrial Physics

The AS 1580 (602.2) method is a testing approach used to measure the specular gloss of non-metallic paint films at 20°, 60° and 85° angles. 

This AS testing standard offers color-visual comparison methods to test paints, varnishes, lacquers and related materials.  

Standards Australia is the nation’s peak standards development organization. It’s a not-for-profit, non-government organization that coordinates standardization activities and facilitates the development of testing standards by working with government, industry and the broader Australian community. 

What is specular gloss testing approaches

Sometimes you need to know exactly how glossy a paint sample is – and there are few easier ways to take a precise measurement than with a glossmeter. 

To measure gloss, you need to take a measurement by directing a constant intensity light beam, at a fixed angle, onto the test surface and then monitoring the amount of reflected light from the same angle. This specular reflectance is measured through glossmeter testing. Different surfaces require different reflective angles. 

AS 1580 (602.2) testing essentials

The AS 1580 (602.2) testing standard is one of a series of standards dealing with the sampling and testing of paints, varnishes and related products. It’s not suitable for the measurement of the gloss of metallic paints. 

• The 20° geometry, which uses a smaller receptor aperture, is intended to give improved differentiation between high-gloss paint films (i.e. films with a 60° specular gloss higher than about 70 units) 
• The 85° geometry is intended to give improved differentiation between low-gloss paint films (i.e. films with a 60° specular gloss lower than about 10 units). 

AS 1580 (602.2) gloss testing devices  

So, how can Industrial Physics improve your AS 1580 (602.2) gloss testing? 

TQC Sheen Glossmeter – Sologloss & Polygloss
The TQC Sheen Glossmeter allows the user to measure fast and simple accurate gloss levels on any flat surface. Whether it be paper, paint, plastic, wood or any other material. No special training or skills are required. Just place the gauge, press the scan button and read the values. Template options can also provide non-flat surfaces and small test areas. 

Need AS 1580 (602.2) gloss testing solutions? Get in touch

There are Industrial Physics’ gloss testing devices available to support testing to all types of international standards. We’ve been designing and building glossmeters for many years and we like to share our expertise across the knowledgebase section of our website. Here you’ll find blogs like this one – interpreting a gloss meter reading. Then you could check out our paint consumption calculator. 

If you have any further questions, then don’t hesitate to get in touch!  

Your global test and measurement partner for AS 1580 (602.2)