Applied coatings appearance properties may be evaluated for their aesthetic or visual characteristics.

These may include: Reflectance, Yellowing of other discoloration, Hiding power, Dry film thickness (DFT), Dry hiding (from porosity), Gloss (20, 60, 85 degrees), Opacity, intrinsic (contrast ratio, scattering coefficient), Opacity, applied (brush, roll, spray), Color by integrating sphere colorimeter, CIE L*a*b*, CIE L*c*h*, DE etc.

The appearance of a coating can also be measured before or after the coating has been conditioned by salt spray, humidity, roller application, brush application and more.

Test panels are observed for surface defects like Blisters, Mottling, Orange Peel, Distinction of Image (DOI), Clarity, Gloss, Staining, swelling, discoloration etc.