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MIXORA CONCEPT

Gloss

The degree to which a surface produces directional, mirror-like reflection rather than only diffuse reflection.

colorbridgeStrong evidence
IN PLAIN LANGUAGE

Gloss changes highlights, contrast and apparent saturation without necessarily changing the pigment. A glossy sample and matte target can therefore differ visually even when their diffuse color measurements are close.

What “Strong evidence” means

The core definition or effect is well established across authoritative standards, foundational research or a broad research literature. The label does not make every practical prediction certain.

Marker-board illustration created specifically to explain Gloss: The degree to which a surface produces directional, mirror-like reflection rather than only diffuse reflection.VISUAL EXPLANATION · MARKER BOARD
The degree to which a surface produces directional, mirror-like reflection rather than only diffuse reflection.
EXAMPLE

A varnished black looks deeper head-on but can flash a bright white highlight toward a lamp.

COMMON CONFUSION

Gloss is not darkness or saturation, although it can change how both are perceived.

ASK YOURSELF

Are target and sample compared at the same angle with the same surface finish?

RELATED CONCEPTS
color × bridgeSpectral reflectance

The fraction of incoming light a surface returns at each wavelength.

→colorOpacity

How strongly a paint film hides the surface or color beneath it.

→color × thought × bridgeSimultaneous contrast

A color can appear different when its surrounding colors change, even when the stimulus itself stays the same.

→color × bridgeIlluminant

A defined spectral description of the light under which a color is measured or evaluated.

→

SOURCES & TRUST

References

Last reviewed

  1. 01
    Colour Appearance Analysis

    CIE · 1993 · CIE Technical Collection 103-1993

    Distinguishes measured colorimetry from perceived attributes under specified viewing conditions.
    Reference source
  2. 02
    Colorimetry, 4th Edition

    CIE · 2018 · International Commission on Illumination

    Definitions and standard colorimetric practice.
    Reference source
What the source labels mean
Primary source
Original work, experiment, standard or historical text.
Academic source
Scholarly research or review published for an academic audience.
Reference source
An expert standard, encyclopedia or institutional explanation that summarizes a field.
General reference
A practical specialist resource useful for application, but not treated as decisive research by itself.