[ATM] How dark is dark?

[Vladimir Galogaza]

Hi Ken,

>Well, I believe it does all come down to surface.  Overall, I think the
>mat reflects more because it scatters BEFORE the black can absorb it.

Scattering ( that is, reflecting) and absorbing are simultaneous processes.
Neither is "before" or "after".

And yes it all comes down to surface. Well said. Matte and gloss are other 
words for
degrees of surface roughness. If the surface is designed to absorb a lot and 
to
direct reflected part again, several times, to other parts of the surface, 
the
net reflected and diffused light that finally escapes will be strongly 
attenuated
(depending on number of reflections and absorptions before escape).

What professionals are doing is what is used in Hubble. The paint they used
is made of many small crystals that trap most of the light by multiple
reflections and absorptions before the rest escapes. So by definition this
is matte surface. I will say that its components, individual "crystals", are 
glossy.
Do not ask for the price of such paint.

Regards
Vladimir. 



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