Semi gloss black Vs. Low gloss black. What's the difference?

I figured since I broke my wrist I could at least start painting small chassis parts. But I am wondering what the difference is in semi vs low gloss black paint. And what to go with? Does anyone have a side by side comparison? thanks

 

I don't have a side by side comparrison, I prefer the semi gloss myself. Demending on the company the semi gloss can look like the car is covered with dew, I always liked the look of a car or bike first thing in the morning when they were covered with dew.

I believe that the semi gloss has a slightly higher sheen.

 

One is shiny and one isn't.
High gloss will be easier to clean but require more cleaning. Semi sort of the same but a little less.
Chassis parts look better in satin black because the imperfections don't jump out at you. The road dirt blends right in too.

Sorry about the wrist.
Keep it elevated and iced.
Percs or vikes can bring about questions like this

 

I think the correct terminology is "Low Sheen" not "Low Gloss". Gloss is measured by Goniophotometry but I do not think there is an Industrial standard. Low sheen is normally 10-25% gloss and "semi" is around 40-70%. It will depend on the paint manufacturer. I broke my wrist when I was 15, it put a big damper on my sex life

 

go semi-gloss, anything flat or close to flat doesn't look right. low sheen is like the new car plastic bumper/flare look.

 

The roadster is Low Gloss, the '57 Ford is Semi-Gloss. Just for comparisons sake.
Normbc9

 

My advise...don't use flat on anything. Satin or semi gloss ...either is good for suspension parts. I restore cars for a living. Every caris different but as a rule of thumb, I use satin ( flatter than semi gloss but not flat) for suspension parts ( control arms sway bars drag links etc) semi gloss is great for starters generators pulleys distributors brackets ... But incorporating some of both creates contrast. Contrast looks very detailed. Don't forget cast grey for steering gears Trans cases master cyl.s tie rod ends etc. as far as an exterior body finish satin is the way to go. Semi is too shiny and flat ain't worth a damn , can't clean it. A good mix makes a very detailed look. Just my two cents.

 

I should mention this is only for my frame and suspension

 

One is semi-gloss and one is low gloss.

 

but is there an actual difference or just different names for the same stuff?

 

Low gloss, is closer to a satin black. Great for engine bays..
Semi gloss has a sheen to it and is great for interiors.. shiney but not horribly light reflective like gloss.
Gloss black would be exterior paint shiney...

I paint my engine bays with low
I paint engines with semi.

 

Are you talking about rattlecan?
If you're talking that duplicolor engine enamel,
I like that stuff painted over an epoxy primer.
Yeah it's cheap but it's been almost 2 years on my RPU and still looks good!

I used the low gloss and like that for suspension parts.
Usually what I'll do is spray,
wait for it to barely cure,
and rub out the paint with a really fine rubbing compound,
and then some wax.
It kinda gives it that lacquer type finish,
while taking out the obvious just sprayed sheen.

Semi-gloss is more flat,
and I do like that more on the frame,
so the suspension parts pop out more.

TP

 

No not rattle can. I was looking at tractor paint.

 

I believe rustoleum is available in three levels of black too.
But we won't turn this into another rustoleum thread.