Types of reflection

Reflection is divided into three types: diffuse, specular, and glossy.

Diffuse reflection

Diffuse surfaces reflect (scatter) light in many angles.

Diffuse reflection accounts for more of the color than any other type of distribution because most objects are opaque and reflect light diffusely.

Specular reflection

Specular surfaces reflect light at the same as the angle at which the light strikes the surface.

Specular reflection gives objects a glossy or mirror-like appearance.

Glossy reflection

Glossy surfaces are actually specular surfaces with micro surfaces at angles to surface plane.

These micro surfaces reflect light not only specularly but also diffusely (at angles very close to the specular transmission), giving the surface a glossy appearance.