# ISO 2813

Source: https://coatmentor.com/standards/iso-2813/ · Updated 2026-10-14

Measuring the specular gloss of paint films.

**Publisher**: ISO

**Area**: Systems, environments and degradation

A glossmeter shines light at a set angle and measures how much is reflected. ISO 2813 uses three geometries:

- **60°:** the general geometry, for medium gloss.
- **20°:** spreads out the readings of high-gloss films.
- **85°:** resolves low-gloss and matt finishes.

## Choosing the angle

Start with a reading at 60°. Above 70 gloss units at 60°, measure again at 20°. Below 10 gloss units, measure at 85°. To compare a high-gloss coating before and after weathering, stay at 60°: there it gives better precision than 20°.

A gloss result is meaningless without its angle: report both, for example "82 GU at 60°". ASTM D523 uses the same three geometries.

**1** practice item in the members area mentions ISO 2813 (CIP 2: 1).

## Related

- **Concepts:** [Protective coating types](https://coatmentor.com/learn/coating-types/)
- **Standards:** [ISO 4628](https://coatmentor.com/standards/iso-4628/)
- **Defects:** [Orange peel](https://coatmentor.com/defects/orange-peel/) · [Fading and discoloration](https://coatmentor.com/defects/fading/)

## About this page

This page describes the subject of ISO 2813 in our own words; it does not reproduce the standard. For the full text, buy the current edition from ISO. Checked on 2026-10-14; errors go in the [corrections log](https://coatmentor.com/method/). CoatMentor is an independent study aid. It is not affiliated with ISO, AMPP, SSPC, NACE International, ASTM or FROSIO.