Microgloss is a novel two-dimensional representation of how light is reflected from a target surface area. Systems and methods for measuring the microgloss can yield data for characterizing the reflective properties of a variety of products for which surface appearance is important. These products include paper, plastics, metals, and ceramics. Microgloss characteristics can be used as parameters for controlling the supercalendering process in papermaking. Microgloss characteristics can be used in conjunction with standard gloss to classify products.