The gloss values of biopolymer coatings were predicted by the Fresnel model from solid film refraction index measurements. Measured gloss properties of transparent coatings fit the model better than did those of wax- or lipid-dispersion coatings. Lipid content and particle size of dispersion coatings had a large influence on coating gloss. The effect of surface roughness on gloss was small compared with that of surface heterogeneity. Whey protein isolate and shellac coatings had higher gloss than hydroxypropyl methylcellulose coatings.