Abstract: A gloss control system is provided for controlling the surface gloss of a sheet material. The system provides separate and independent control of heat and moisture applied to the sheet material, rather than the fixed ratio of heat and moisture applied by previous steam shower systems. Heat may be applied by a plurality of infrared lamps whose radiation is directed to the sheet material surface. A plurality of upwardly facing atomizing spray nozzles act to provide streams of atomized water directed at the surface of the sheet material. A scanning gloss sensor detects the degree of surface gloss of the sheet material at various cross-directional locations and control the application of heat and moisture in accordance with the detected surface gloss to thereby achieve a desired gloss profile.