PL
ENThe choice of gloss level affects how a part looks, how it reads in light, how well it resists signs of use and how easy it is to maintain. The same colour can look completely different in matt and in gloss. Read our tips to help you match the finish to the application.
How do matt, semi-matt and gloss differ?
The gloss level determines how much light a surface reflects. This affects how you see the colour, how quickly you notice dirt, and whether a part "hides" substrate imperfections or rather shows them off. In powder coating, gloss values are usually given in gloss units (GU), measured at a defined angle.
Measured as % light reflectance at a 60° angle (ISO 2813 / ASTM D523):
- Matt - 0-20%
- Semi-matt - 21-50%
- Semi-gloss - 51-75%
- Gloss - 76-85%
- High gloss - 86-100%
In real use the differences show immediately, especially on large, flat parts. A difference of about 5% is the threshold at which the eye starts to notice it - so compare adjacent levels on a sample first.
The higher the gloss, the more visible the light reflections - and with them any scratches, waviness or marks from working the substrate. Matt does the opposite - it scatters light and "calms" the surface, so parts look more uniform.
Read also: Surface preparation for powder coating - stages, mistakes and best practice
A quick comparison before we get into the details:
Masks substrate imperfections, "calms" the surface, reduces the visibility of fingerprints. Works well on welded structures and frequently touched parts.
A balanced compromise. It doesn't dull the colour like matt, nor expose flaws like gloss. The most common choice in series production and general industrial use.
Deep, saturated colours, easy cleaning. Requires a well-prepared substrate - every working mark becomes visible. For decorative elements and premium products.
Where is matt best used and what does it achieve?
A matt coating (in the TOPO catalogue 0-20% light reflectance) masks substrate imperfections well, which matters on welded structures, shot-blasted parts, or wherever you are not doing perfect sanding. Light does not reflect in points but scatters, so the eye does not pick up small irregularities.
Matt reduces the visibility of fingerprints and light dirt. That doesn't mean they aren't there, just that they don't catch the eye at first glance. This matters on frequently touched parts: equipment housings, handles, profiles, metal furniture in offices and warehouses.
- Structural parts meant to look even rather than shiny
- Metal furniture in working spaces
- Parts with visible welds or substrate texture
- Machine and equipment housings where practicality counts
Read also: The most common problems in powder coating and how to solve them
What defines semi-matt, so often the ideal compromise?
Semi-matt (in the TOPO catalogue 21-50% light reflectance) gives a balanced visual effect, because it reflects some light but does not create strong highlights that instantly betray every surface imperfection. As a result the part looks "clean" while not being flat like matt. It is a solution often chosen in series production, where repeatability and a neutral perception of the product matter.
Semi-matt does not draw attention like gloss, but it also does not "dull" the colour to the extent that full matt does, so it works well across a wide range of colours, from light to dark. In use, semi-matt is less demanding than gloss. Dirt is visible, but not immediately. Cleaning does not cause burnishing as easily as with matt, while not requiring the care that high gloss does.
- White goods and fittings
- Racking, storage systems
- Machine parts that are visible but not decorative
- General industrial use where a neutral effect is needed
What visual effect does gloss give and what does it require?
Gloss is the area of strongest light reflection. In the TOPO catalogue it divides into three levels: semi-gloss 51-75%, gloss 76-85% and high gloss 86-100%, which lets you match the effect to the product precisely. The higher the value, the stronger the reflection and the more saturated the colours - they appear deeper, richer and more "alive". That is why gloss is chosen for parts meant to catch the eye or to fit a particular product aesthetic.
Every substrate imperfection, every sanding mark, every inclusion in the coating becomes visible, often even from a distance. With gloss, surface preparation has to be meticulous, because the coating will not hide mistakes.
Gloss cleans easily, because the surface is smooth and does not trap dirt in a microtexture. On the other hand, fingerprints and smudges show up faster than on matt or semi-matt, especially on dark colours.
- Decorative and front-facing elements
- Equipment meant to look "clean" and crisp
- Parts where visual appeal matters at the point of sale
- Premium products where the finish is part of the perception
Read also: The RAL colour palette in powder coatings - how does the system work?
Which gloss level to choose for which spaces?
Lighting conditions and how a space is used have a real impact on how a coating is perceived. The same part looks different in a production hall and in an office, even though it is the same coating.
Linear and spot lighting dominate. Matt and semi-matt work better here, because they limit the harsh highlights that can tire the eyes and make it harder to judge a surface. On large steel structures this has a practical benefit - light reflections do not visually "cut through" the parts.
Semi-matt gives the most neutral effect, one that does not dominate visually or compete with other materials such as glass or wood. Matt is used in such places where a calm, subdued look is wanted.
Gloss performs better in places well lit by natural light or controlled display lighting. Then the reflections work in the product's favour. In poor light, gloss can look "flat" or uneven, because each point of light creates a separate highlight.
Does lighting matter when choosing a gloss level?
It matters a great deal and often decides whether a part looks good in everyday use or only on a sample. The same part coated with the same paint can look completely different depending on the direction of the light, its intensity and its colour.
Gloss starts to act like a mirror and shows every surface detail - from fine scratches to differences in coating thickness. In these conditions matt or semi-matt gives a more predictable result, because it scatters light and "calms" how the part reads.
The differences between semi-matt and gloss are less aggressive, but still visible. Colours look deeper in gloss and more subdued in matt.
How to match the finish to the product and its use?
Start from how the part will be used, not from the colour on a swatch. The same shade on a machine housing, an appliance front and a structure standing outdoors will work in different conditions and wear differently.
- Will someone grip the part by hand several times a day? (if so - consider matt/semi-matt instead of high gloss)
- Will the part be mounted high up, where mainly the look from a few metres away counts? (gloss will do well)
- Will it sit under harsh lamp light, or rather in the half-shade of a hall? (lighting changes perception)
- What is the substrate like - perfectly prepared, or with welds and working marks?
The substrate matters too - if you have a perfectly prepared surface, you can go for gloss without the risk that something will "show up" after curing. If you know the part has welds, slight waviness or working marks, it is better to choose a finish that will not expose them with every reflection of light.
Powder coatings and finish durability
The gloss level on its own does not determine the durability of a coating, but it affects how visible the signs of use are. A scratch on gloss will be more visible than the same scratch on matt, because the reflected light "draws" its edges.
A coating starting at 85 GU may drop below 40 GU after a few seasons outdoors. In outdoor applications the durability class of the coating is just as important as the gloss level.
Durability depends on the resin, additives, coating thickness and the curing process. A well-chosen powder coating that meets QUALICOAT requirements will provide resistance to environmental conditions, and the choice of gloss decides how that coating will look after months of use.
A lower curing temperature, while maintaining mechanical properties, lowers production costs and shortens the cycle, which is especially noticeable on large runs.
Read also: How to choose the right powder coating? The most important tips
Don't guess - test on a sample
At TOPO you can order samples in matt, semi-matt and gloss that you can test on your own parts and in your own lighting. That way you see the real result before you start production and avoid costly reworks. Get in touch and choose the finish that will work in your conditions.
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