 Gloss and
Light Reflectance:
Gloss and light reflectance are unrelated surface characteristics
of a finish. Gloss is the degree to which the finish reflects visual
images. Light reflectance is the amount of light the surface reflects.
Neither characteristic is related to hue, so it is possible to have
a finish with low gloss and low light reflectance.
For example: black reflects no light yet, when black is used in a glossy enamel,
it reflects clear visual images. On the other hand, when a flat,
white paint is applied to a wall, it reflects much light but no
images.
Since both gloss and light reflectance can be measured by instruments,
these characteristics
can be assigned numerical values, that can be written into architectural
specifications and paint applications.
Light
reflectance value is the measure of how much light is reflected
from a surface in comparison to how much light the surface received
(in percent). A white surface can reflect almost all the light hitting
it. A very dark surface absorbs light like a sponge and reflects only
a small amount of the light. Pigments of light color will reflect
more light than pigments that are dark. If available lighting is a
concern, light colors should be used.
Light
Reflectance Values of Various Colors:
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