Not trying to stir the pot, but I think it is very important to also state "gloss or flat" after you use a number percentages. I have spoken to many people about this to include Scott Tiemann, Jim Mattison, as well as other Pontiac experts and judges and have always referenced the "gloss" or "dull" when speaking to them. It just makes it easier to ensure everyone is "on the same page".

For example, when you read the concourse restoration article about the '67 Bird that Scott documented and restored for Tim, it very clearly says things like " has a high sheen - 80-90% gloss black ( i.e. Metal cover of the wiper motor). They reference other colors like 60% gloss black etc. which is 60% glass and 40% flattener. If he would have just stated a percentage, not mentioned high sheen and not added "gloss black", then I would agree with the above comments. But since that is added, it helps to direct the reader or restorer to what is correct.. In speaking with these "experts" they also have agreed the firewall is only 30% gloss black...so more flat than gloss and everyone above is saying the same thing....just in different ways. I have verified the level of gloss each time I have spoken to people vs. just providing a percentage. and that has helped me feel very comfortable with the "sheen" I have on my various components on my car. So for instance, my firewall is 25-30% gloss, my inner fender wells and radiator core support are 50-60% gloss black. My heater cover and wiper motor cover are 80-90% gloss black. II basically followed the Tiemann article as well as other experts advice. Oh, and my under hood is about 40-50% gloss, so different from the firewall for sure. It is interesting to see that Tim wrote back and stated it was "85% black" , but would agree that in that meaning, he was talking about 85% flat. See, confusing, without the "extra terms". :-)

Just wanted to share what I have learned from all my discussions. Hope it helps.