When it comes to printing, there are pros and cons to using matte and glossy paper. Depending on your goals, you’ll want to create the best product possible, and the stock you choose is vital. In this blog post, we’ll outline everything you need to know when choosing the right material for printing — matte or glossy paper. We’ll cover: Matte paper is a regular-based paper covered with a thin layer of coating that helps the paper receive inkjet. Every drop of ink from the inkjet printer is received, making for an exceptional, professional finish. Depending on the weights and ink absorption, matte paper can differ in cost. Still, it can produce excellent results for your business when done right. Let’s dive deeper into the pros and cons of printing with matte paper. Glossy finishes are popular for high-quality prints. Although it’s not the best stock for writing, the paper has a thick, shiny coating to make it stand out. Results on glossy paper look ultra-professional, too. Let’s have a look at some pros and cons. We're here to help you make your print marketing dreams a reality. Our guide explores how to supply your audience with a tangible, lasting message that leaves an impression and builds trust. Sound good? Fill out the form to get instant access to your free copy. The main difference between matte and glossy is the contrasting finish from the final prints. A glossy finish will have an ultra-smooth, shiny appearance that makes images appear colour-rich and vibrant. Matte paper gives off a duller, more subtle finish. Because of this, printed content and images on a glossy finish will appear more striking. There’s also a big contrast in feel and quality between the two. Glossy paper is often the best for high-quality prints, but matte is the far superior choice for writing on. The right answer depends on the product type you’re printing. Plus, nothing stops you from using a combination of matte and glossy paper. For example, if you’re creating a planner for students, you could use glossy stock for the covers and images and matte paper to be written on. By combining both, your glossy images will stand out even more. With matte paper, pen ink will dry quickly, so you don’t have to worry about smudging your work or notes. Beyond matte and glossy, you can consider various other options to give your print products the best finish. These include, but aren't limited to: We've put together a blog post comparing different paper types and which is best for your upcoming project. Head to the blog post by clicking below. Printer's tip: Want to print more responsibly? Uncoated stock is environmentally friendly as it's the easiest to recycle along with regular paper waste. It shares a similar look and feel with matte stock but stands out due to its unparalleled results on an LED UV machine. Choosing uncoated stock not only contributes to eco-friendliness but also ensures top-notch print quality and popping colour for your print products. Inside, we explore everything you need to create brilliant print. We cover how to use print as part of your marketing strategy, what it takes to produce amazing print and the best advice to make print work for your business — no matter the size. A handful of great printing tips are scattered throughout the guide, all provided by the experts at B&B Press. So, click below to get your free copy of our Brilliant Print guide and get started on mastering your next print project.Matte Finish: The Pros and Cons
The Pros
The Cons
Glossy Finish: The Pros and Cons
The Pros
The Cons
Ready To Master Print Marketing?
The Key Differences
The Verdict
Want More Advice When It Comes To Print? Try This Guide
FAQs
Difference Between Matte & Glossy Paper: Which Should You Choose? ›
Matte paper gives off a duller, more subtle finish. Because of this, printed content and images on a glossy finish will appear more striking. There's also a big contrast in feel and quality between the two. Glossy paper is often the best for high-quality prints, but matte is the far superior choice for writing on.
Is it better to get matte or glossy prints? ›Overall, glossy finish prints are a good option if you want bright, vivid colors and don't mind glare or fingerprints. Choose a matte photo finish print if you prefer more neutral tones and a finish that is less reflecting and more resistant to fingerprints.
What is the best photo paper glossy or matte? ›✨ If you're looking for a classic way to print your photos and want to make all the colors pronounced, glossy photo prints are the way to go. 🖼️ If you want to display your photos on the wall or create a scrapbook with them, matte photo prints will be perfect.
What is the difference between glossy paper and photo paper? ›Gloss (left) appears smoother and shinier than matte (right). The main difference between glossy and matte is that glossy photo paper is shinier—this makes the color in your image “pop” on the sheet. The glossy finish enhances the color in the photo, creating a more vibrant image.
What lasts longer, matte or glossy? ›Which lasts longer, glossy or matte? Matte tends to last longer because it is less prone to showing fingerprints, scuffs, and scratches compared to glossy finishes.
What is matte paper used for? ›Matte paper is particularly suited to photo books which are viewed, passed around and handled by hand. If you want to exhibit your photos, matte paper is ideal since it doesn't create any reflection. It looks like real paper and light will not be reflected on its surface.
Which is better, matte or glossy sticker paper? ›Matte sticker paper is more readable and write-able. While glossy sticker paper adds contrast to the print's colors. If your product container is made of a reflective surface, a glossy sticker paper will complement it. Glossy sticker paper also adds elegance to non-reflective surfaces.
Does matte or glossy look more natural? ›Glossy finishes amplify the vibrancy and sharpness of images, whereas matte finishes offer a subdued, more understated representation, making them suitable for portraying natural scenes and portraits.
What type of paper is best for photos? ›The most popular choice among photographers and hobbyists, Satin finish photo paper is often described as a hybrid between matte and glossy. It offers a slightly textured, lustrous surface, less reflective than glossy but more so than matte. This finish enhances the depth of images, making them appear more vibrant.
Should old photos be matte or glossy? ›Glossy picks up more reflections while matte is more subdued and goes well with most old pictures, especially portraits. These are Postcard pictures taken early in the 20th Century.
Which is better, matte finish or glossy? ›
Matte paper gives off a duller, more subtle finish. Because of this, printed content and images on a glossy finish will appear more striking. There's also a big contrast in feel and quality between the two. Glossy paper is often the best for high-quality prints, but matte is the far superior choice for writing on.
What is glossy paper good for? ›Glossy Paper refers to any coated papers designed to present an ultra-smooth to shiny appearance. Applications include brochures, advertising, flyers, one sheets, photographic printing and other presentation documents.
Is matte cheaper than glossy? ›Because of the low reflective quality, matte prints are great when you want the viewer to see every detail in the image. They are a good choice when you want a more subtle effect or subdued feel. A bonus is that in many cases, matte papers cost less than glossy paper.
What are the pros and cons of matte paper? ›It also has a more elegant and subtle feel, which can suit some branding styles or themes. However, matte paper also has some disadvantages, such as being less durable and resistant to moisture and dirt. It can also make colors and images look duller or less sharp, especially if they are dark or low-contrast.
What are the disadvantages of matte finish? ›(i). Difficult to Clean: Matte finish is not as durable as other types of finishes and can be difficult to clean. The surface is porous and can absorb dirt and grime, which can be hard to remove.
Is matte or glossy makeup better for photos? ›In general matte eyeshadow shades tend to photograph better than their shimmery counterparts.
Should posters be matte or glossy? ›Most printers will tell you that if you're unsure whether you want a gloss or matte finish poster, you should probably go with gloss. Glossy posters are versatile, and, for many people, that shiny, reflective finish is part of what makes posters such exciting design elements.