ISO 2813

Introducing ISO 2813 – Industrial Physics

ISO 2813 is an international ISO standard that enables you to measure the gloss value of a wide range of paints and varnishes.  

Specular gloss testing relates to the capacity of a surface to reflect light. Simply put, it’s a way of making a visual observation of how shiny a surface is, at a specified angle. To carry out an accurate gloss test you’ll need a glossmeter – which is where we come in! 

Following this ISO standard, you can test the specular gloss of paint films using a reflectometer geometry of 20°, 60° or 85°. You’ll find that a 60° geometry is applicable to most paint films. When you’re dealing with very high levels of gloss and near-matt films, the 20° or 85° options may be more suitable. 

The principles of ISO 2813 gloss testing

Gloss is a visual perception that you observe when looking at a surface. The specular reflection of an object is particularly distinct when light is reflected more directionally from the surface. 

Now…it’s time to get a little technical!   

The principle of gloss testing is based on the measurement of the directionally reflected light. In this context its intensity is measured in a defined angular field around the reflection angle. The intensity of the reflected light depends on the surface material and the incident angle. So that’s why, on coated surfaces with increasing incident angle, more light is reflected. The remaining light is refracted at the interface air / coating, within the coating diffusion and / or absorption of the light occurs.

When gloss testing, you’ll find that incident light is reflected on high-gloss surfaces in the main specular direction only. Whereas on matte surfaces, the light isn’t only reflected in the main specular direction, it’s also diffusely scattered in all solid angles. The more uniformly the light is scattered into the space, the smaller the intensity of the directed component and the ‘matter’ the surface appears. 

The gloss perception can vary widely from different viewing angles. For example, matte surfaces can appear glossy under grazing incidence of light and a low viewing angle; under these reflection conditions a lot of light is reflected directionally, and the intensity of diffusion is low. 

ISO 2813 testing devices

So, how can Industrial Physics improve your ISO 2813 testing? 

Glossmeter – Sologloss & Polygloss  

Our portable precision glossmeters were developed for production and laboratory settings. They’re just what you need for glossmeter testing of automotive parts, paints and coatings.  

This reliable glossmeter has a large memory capability: it will hold up to 2,000 readings with adjustable gloss limits. It features a visual and acoustic alarm, and a calibration gloss standard integrated in a protective holder.   

We ensured the quality of our glossmeter by taking thousands of readings on certified substrates to test stability, reliability, and durability – so you can be sure it will meet your needs.   

TQC Sheen PolyGloss 20° / 60° / 85°

Our specialist paint testing brand ‘TQC Sheen’ makes various glossmeter models, which support your ISO 2813 testing: first up is the highly accurate Polygloss glossmeter, for angles of 20°, 60° and 85°.

TQC Sheen SoloGloss 60° 

Another accurate gloss testing device made by TQC Sheen is the Sologloss glossmeter, with a 60° measuring angle for any surface – from matte to glossy.  

Your global test and measurement partner for ISO 2813