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Specular reflection and surface texture
The reflection from a paint film contains includes a mixture of specular and diffuse light.
There are several factors that influence the gloss and appearance quality of a
coating;
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The chemical composition of the coating/topcoat/varnish vehicle, the
refractive index of this component largely determines how light is reflected
from the surface.
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The size and frequency of structures on the surface, these can be
deliberate in the case of matting additives which scatter light, or
unintentional and unwanted such as additive bloom, orange peel,
reticulation etc.
•
Uneven substrates may cause texturing to the coating surface. For
transparent coatings the reflective nature of the substrate is also
important.
•
Metallic and Effect Pigments, the size, distribution and alignment of these
larger size particles have an effect on the reflective characteristics of a
coating.