Paint Sheen Gloss Level Comparator

Last updated 2026-08-25

"Eggshell," "satin" and "semi-gloss" sound like settled categories, but paint sheen has one real public standard behind it: MPI's Gloss/Sheen Level system, G1 through G7, each defined by an exact gloss-meter reading in Gloss Units (GU) at 60 degrees (ASTM D523). Below is that table, reproduced from MPI's own Architectural Painting Manual — and five real products' own technical data sheets checked against it.

A product named "Eggshell" tested itself into "Semi-gloss." Porter Paints' own data sheet for Glyptex Eggshell Interior Alkyd Enamel No. 439 states "Gloss, Initial, 60º: Semi-gloss (Typical range: 39 - 45)" — in PPG's own words, on their own document, for a product PPG itself named Eggshell. MPI's own Eggshell band (G3) tops out at 25 GU; 39-45 sits entirely inside MPI's own Semi-Gloss band (G5, 35-70) instead. See the full table below — three of the five products checked do match their own printed name.

MPI's own Gloss/Sheen Level table (Section 2.5, 09 91 23 Interior Painting)

Level	MPI's own description	Units @ 60°
G1 — Flat / Matte	a traditional matte finish – flat	0 to 5
G2 — Velvet	a high side sheen flat – a "velvet-like" finish	0 to 10
G3 — Eggshell	a traditional "eggshell-like" finish	10 to 25
G4 — Satin	a "satin-like" finish	20 to 35
G5 — Semi-Gloss	a traditional semi-gloss	35 to 70
G6 — Gloss	a traditional gloss	70 to 85
G7 — High-Gloss	a high gloss	> 85

Source: MPI Architectural Painting Manual, Section 09 91 23, §2.5, fetched directly from mpi.net. Note MPI's own ranges overlap at every boundary (10 is in both G2 and G3; 35 is in both G4 and G5) — a single reading can legitimately satisfy two adjacent levels under the standard's own numbers, which the checker above shows rather than picks one.

Five products' own data sheets, checked against their own printed name

Brand	Product	Printed name	Own stated GU @60°	Matches its own name?
Rodda Paint	Lasyn Interior Eggshell (533001)	"Eggshell" (G3)	10-15	Yes
Porter Paints (PPG)	Glyptex Eggshell Interior Alkyd Enamel No. 439	"Eggshell" (G3)	39-45	No — entirely outside
PPG Architectural Coatings	Glyptex 439-10 Series	"Semi-Gloss" (G5)	50-70	Yes
Pittsburgh Paints & Stains	Ultra 41-310 Series	"Semi-Gloss" (G5)	40-60	Yes
Porter Paints (PPG)	Glyptex Urethane Gloss Enamel No. 4139	"High Gloss" (G7)	83-89	Partly

Every row above is that product's own current or historical technical data sheet, fetched directly from the manufacturer's own domain 2026-08-25 — not a mirror, aggregator, or retailer restatement.

What this does not do

It does not measure your paint for you. Most consumer cans print only the sheen NAME, not a GU number — this tool is for when you have the number, from a TDS, a lab report, or a gloss meter.
Below 10 GU, MPI's own table needs a second reading at 85° to tell G1 (Flat/Matte) apart from G2 (Velvet) — this tool only collects the 60° reading, so it shows both rather than guessing.
It covers MPI's INTERIOR gloss table (Section 09 91 23) specifically — MPI's exterior section uses a related but not identical set of ranges.
Five specific products across four brand names were checked directly, not an exhaustive catalog of any manufacturer's full line.

Runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you type is sent anywhere. The paper shredder security level comparator found the same shape first — a real numeric standard, and a marketing word layered on top that doesn't reliably track it — and the cut-resistant glove rating comparator found a related but different problem, two competing numeric standards that plainly refuse to be treated as interchangeable.