glossy

Glossy is an adjective used to describe a surface that has a smooth, highly reflective finish. A glossy surface reflects light strongly, producing a bright sheen. Glossy can refer to materials such as paint, plastic, ceramic glazes, coated paper, and metal, as well as to images or presentations that appear polished or glamorous. The term is often contrasted with matte or satin finishes.

In printing and publishing, glossy denotes coated papers and inks designed to yield saturated colors and sharp detail. Glossy paper is common in magazines, photo prints, brochures, and high-end packaging, but it can create glare under bright light and show fingerprints or scratches more readily than matte stock.

In manufacturing and design, glossy finishes are used on automobile paint, electronics casings, and consumer plastics for their vivid appearance. Gloss levels are typically described in gloss units, and standards such as ISO 2813 and ASTM D523 specify measurement methods. Values range from low (matte) to very high (mirror-like gloss), often around 5–20 for satin, 40–60 for high-gloss, and higher still in some cases.

Care considerations include avoiding harsh abrasives on glossy surfaces and managing glare in displays and photography. In digital media, glossy aesthetics can convey premium quality but may be criticized for being artificial or prone to fingerprints and reflections.