EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WOOD AND WOOD PRODUCTS, cilt.84, sa.3, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
This study investigates the gloss change behavior of different furniture surface types subjected to microscratch abrasion using Martindale Procedures A and B in accordance with EN 16611:2023. Six surface groups, including a matte white (melamine-faced particleboard) panel and five decorative surface-coated wood-based panels (cream and brown melamine-faced panels, glossy white and black acrylic surfaces, and an orange verzalit panel), were evaluated to assess post-abrasion optical performance. Gloss measurements were conducted at 20 degrees, 60 degrees, and 85 degrees geometries to examine the influence of measurement angle on the sensitivity of gloss change detection. In addition, initial surface roughness (Ra) was measured to evaluate its relationship with optical response. The results revealed statistically significant differences in gloss change among surface groups at all geometries. The matte white (melamine-faced) panel exhibited the highest gloss loss under both abrasion procedures, indicating lower resistance to microscratch-induced optical degradation compared to the other surface types. The findings also demonstrated that gloss change is strongly dependent on measurement geometry. In particular, the 85 degrees geometry provided enhanced differentiation between surface groups, highlighting its sensitivity to surface matting and subtle optical alterations. Although identical nominal loads and rubbing cycles were applied, differences between Procedures A and B resulted in varying gloss change levels for certain surfaces, reflecting variations in abrasive contact conditions and assessment approaches. Regression analysis indicated that initial surface roughness alone does not fully explain the observed optical degradation behavior. Overall, the results show that the optical response of furniture surfaces to microscratch abrasion is governed by a complex interaction between surface roughness, coating characteristics, and measurement geometry. This study provides a more comprehensive understanding of surface appearance durability and emphasizes the importance of a multi-parameter evaluation approach under standardized microscratch conditions.