ASTM D523-14 (2018) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D523-14(2018) — Standard Test Method for Specular Gloss. This test method defines instrumentation and procedures for measuring the specular (mirror-like) gloss of nonmetallic specimens using glossmeter geometries of 20°, 60° and 85°. Measurements are made by comparing the specimen’s specular reflectance to that of a black glass reference standard and reporting results in gloss units (GU).

Abstract

This concise ASTM test method specifies the apparatus, calibration, specimen preparation, measurement geometries, and reporting conventions for instrumental determination of specular gloss on nonmetallic surfaces. It explains the appropriate choice of measurement angle (20°, 60°, 85°) for different gloss ranges, notes the influence of surface refractive index and other appearance factors (distinctness-of-image, haze), and provides guidance to obtain repeatable, comparable gloss readings for quality control and evaluation of coatings, plastics, papers and other nonmetallic materials.

General information

• Status: Superseded — historically published as ASTM D523-14(2018); replaced by ASTM D523-25 (approved/published 01 June 2025).
• Publication date: 01 May 2018 (designation shown as D523-14(2018)).
• Publisher: ASTM International (formerly American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 83.140.01 (Rubber and plastic products; appearance and related tests — Paints and related coatings; appearance tests).
• Edition / version: Designation ASTM D523-14(2018) — the 2014 revision published/reissued in 2018 (document commonly cited as D523-14(2018)).
• Number of pages: 5 pages.

Scope

This test method covers the measurement of specular gloss of nonmetallic specimens using glossmeter geometries of 60°, 20° and 85°. It establishes the reference (black glass standard), calibration procedures, specimen conditioning and preparation guidance, measurement technique and reporting conventions. The method is intended for use on paints, varnishes, coated surfaces, plastics, paper and other nonmetallic materials where instrumental gloss is a useful correlate to perceived surface shininess. The standard notes limitations where gloss readings are affected by surface refractive index and where other appearance attributes (distinctness-of-image, reflection haze, texture) also influence visual perception.

Key topics and requirements

• Measurement geometries: 60° as general-purpose angle; 20° recommended for high-gloss specimens (typically when GU > ~70); 85° for low-gloss or near-grazing surfaces (typically when GU < ~10).
• Instrument calibration and reference: use of a calibrated black glass standard and regular verification to maintain measurement traceability.
• Specimen preparation and conditioning: requirements for flat, clean, uniform surfaces and recommended conditioning (typical laboratory conditions cited in practice guidance).
• Procedure and sampling: recommended number of readings, measurement locations, and averaging to report representative gloss values.
• Reporting: required data elements (angle, instrument model, calibration status, number of readings, environmental conditions, units in gloss units — GU).
• Limitations and interpretation: discussion of dependency on surface refractive index and relationship to other appearance attributes; recommendation to use complementary tests (e.g., distinctness-of-image, reflection haze) when needed.
• Precision information: the method includes precision/reproducibility guidance based on interlaboratory data (see precision statements in the standard text).

Typical use and users

Used widely by coatings, plastics, automotive, furniture, printing and packaging manufacturers as well as independent test laboratories and research institutions for quality control, product specification verification, formulation development and comparative appearance assessment. Typical users include QC technicians, R&D scientists, standards laboratories and product compliance engineers who need objective, repeatable gloss measurements.

Related standards

Standards and test methods commonly referenced with or used alongside ASTM D523 include ISO 2813 (Paints and varnishes — Determination of gloss value at 20°, 60° and 85°), ASTM D2457 (specular gloss of plastic films and solid plastics), ASTM D4039 (Test Method for Reflection Haze of High-Gloss Surfaces), ASTM E430 (Distinctness-of-image gloss measurement), and relevant interlaboratory/practice documents (for example ASTM practices on specimen selection and interlaboratory testing). The D523 series has later been updated by ASTM D523-25 (2025).

Keywords

specular gloss, glossmeter, gloss units (GU), black glass standard, 20-degree, 60-degree, 85-degree, surface appearance, reflection haze, distinctness-of-image, coatings, plastics, quality control

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D523-14(2018) is a standardized test method for measuring the specular (mirror-like) gloss of nonmetallic surfaces using instrumented glossmeters at 20°, 60° and 85° geometries.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers instrument calibration (black glass reference), specimen preparation and conditioning, selection of measurement angle, measurement procedure, reporting requirements and notes on interpretation and limitations (including effects of surface refractive index and other appearance attributes).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Coatings and paints manufacturers, plastics producers, printing and packaging companies, automotive finish labs, independent test houses, and research laboratories use it for QC, specification compliance and appearance evaluation.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The edition designated D523-14(2018) was published 01 May 2018. It has since been superseded by ASTM D523-25 (published/approved 01 June 2025). Users should reference the active D523-25 text for the latest normative requirements and any updates.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — D523 is part of a family of appearance and gloss-related methods used in coatings, plastics and paper testing. Related ASTM methods (for specific materials or complementary appearance attributes) include D2457, D4039 and E430; ISO 2813 is the close international equivalent.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Specular gloss, glossmeter, gloss units (GU), black glass, 20°/60°/85°, surface appearance, reflection haze, distinctness-of-image, coatings, plastics.