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Most (90% of typical applications) organic materials and painted or oxidized surfaces have
an emissivity of 0.95 (pre-set in the unit). Inaccurate readings will result from measuring
shiny or polished metal surfaces. To compensate, cove the surface to be measured with
masking tape or flat black paint. Allow time for the tape to reach the same temperature as the
material underneath it. Measure the temperature of the tape or painted surface.
Emissivity
Values
Emissivity
Emissivity Values
Emissivity
Values
Values
Substance
Thermal emissivity
Asphalt
0.90 to 0.98
Concrete
0.94
Cement
0.96
Sand
0.90
Earth
0.92 to 0.96
Water
0.92 to 0.96
Ice
0.96 to 0.98
Snow
0.83
Glass
0.90 to 0.95
Ceramic
0.90 to 0.94
Marble
0.94
Plaster
0.80 to 0.90
Mortar
0.89 to 0.91
Brick
0.93 to 0.96
Substance
Thermal emissivity
Cloth (black)
0.98
Human skin
0.98
Lather
0.75 to 0.80
Charcoal (powder)
0.96
Lacquer
0.80 to 0.95
Lacquer (matt)
0.97
Rubber (black)
0.94
Plastic
0.85 to 0.95
Timber
0.90
Paper
0.70 to 0.94
Chromium oxides
0.81
Copper oxides
0.78
Iron oxides
0.78 to 0.82
Textiles
0.90
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