When you order printing, the difference between matte and glossy paper is the “shininess” of the paper. This difference between glossy and matte is most apparent when you flip the sheets of paper under the light. While matte paper has a more muted feel, glossy sheets will have a strong sheen that gives it a shiny appearance. Both results are due to their coating and the way they reflect light.
This article looks into the differences between what is matte paper vs. glossy paper to help you make the right choice for your print materials. We’ll help you understand the physical difference between glossy and matte (by explaining the manufacturing), and how to choose the best paper based on the files you have to print.
The differences in manufacturing matte vs. glossy paper
The two paper types look and feel different to the touch, but they’re actually manufactured in a very similar manner. Believe it or not, matte paper uses the same chemical coating as gloss paper.
Gloss paper has more coating applied than matte printing paper. Matte paper has a semi-gloss finish, produces high quality prints, but lacks the vibrant effects of gloss paper. One of the biggest misconceptions when customers see a matte paper option is that it will be uncoated. Matte paper is a coated paper that produces no glare and is resistant to smudging and imprints left by fingerprints, making it just as durable.
Fun fact: gloss paper is very slightly thinner than matte paper, even though they’re the same weight. For example: if you print booklets on matte and glossy paper, they’ll weigh the same amount on the scale. However, the glossy booklets are denser, and ever-so-slightly thinner.
Factors when choosing between glossy paper vs. matte paper for printing
The biggest factor when you choose between matte and glossy paper is the kinds of content that you’re printing. How many photographs, graphic designs/illustrations, and articles of text do you have in your prints?
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. The extra shine works well on print files with heavy color coverage, especially photographs and big graphics. This effect also makes the color on the photo prints look like they have higher contrast. This is a great option for large print materials that feature bright colors and fun graphics.
Matte printing paper has a more muted feel to it. This can be used to great effect in designs with a light or pastel color scheme, and in designs with a great deal of text on it. Also, Black & White photos tend to look better printed with a matte finish. Because matte paper changes less under the light, they also have more of a “flat” feel than gloss sheets. If the final product is intended to be written on with a ballpoint pen, then matte is the recommended paper type. Thanks to the texture and more natural feel of matte paper, it can make print materials seem more professional.
Don’t stress! In the end, you can’t really choose the wrong paper for printing. No matter what, you’re not going to end up in a situation where you regret the choice of the paper. Both paper types carry color very well, and the difference between glossy and matte ends up coming down to subtle preference and nuance.
Call the customer service representatives at Printivity at 1-877-649-5463 and request a complimentary paper sample of every paper coating and thickness!
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.
Matte photo paper like Canson® Infinity Rag Photographique absorbs more ink. As a result, it offers a much more contrasting image: black tones are sharp and powerful and the rendering of perspectives will enhance your photo.
The main disadvantage of matte paper is that, compared to glossy, it has less pop and saturation, and this is because they refract light instead of reflecting it back to your eyes. If you are looking for maximum color saturation and print performance, you should consider glossy instead of matte paper.
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.
Glossy finishes are often chosen for their vibrant and eye-catching appearance, making them suitable for promotional materials and photographs. In contrast, matte finishes excel in providing a classic and elegant visual narrative, often preferred for art prints and luxury catalogs.
No.Any coated paper (gloss, silk or matt) will use very slightly less ink than printing on an uncoated paper. Uncoated paper, such as photocopy paper, will absorb a very small amount of ink.
It holds ink well, allowing for sharp, vivid color representation and clear text. This quality makes it ideal for high-detail prints where color accuracy and depth are essential. Matte paper ensures that colors look natural and designs maintain their intended appearance.
Matte photo paper is a very versatile type of photo paper that can work with both inkjet and laser printers, due to its lack of a glossy finish. This gives matte prints a very muted look, so it might not be right for every project.
Matte paper is more resistant to fingerprints, dust, and scratches than glossy paper, and it can be easier to handle and frame. However, matte paper also has some disadvantages. It can make your photos look less vivid and crisp than glossy paper, and it can reduce the dynamic range and depth of your images.
No reflection: Matte paper absorbs more ink and therefore does not reflect light from any angle. Robust: It is more scratch resistant than glossy paper and does not absorb fingerprints. Contemporary style: with velvety colors and lower contrast, this finish gives a modern effect to your labels.
Choosing a matte finish for your images also means no glare and no fingerprints, so if you want to display your photos in rooms with bright overhead lighting or you think your images will be handled a lot, you will definitely want to choose this over a print with a glossy finish.
Professional photographers often use lustre finish for its versatility and professional appearance. But preferences can differ; some people want matte for a traditional appearance, while others like glossy for bright, high-contrast photos.
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.
What finish do professional photographers use? Professional photographers often use lustre finish for its versatility and professional appearance. But preferences can differ; some people want matte for a traditional appearance, while others like glossy for bright, high-contrast photos.
The choice between gloss and satin finish is often a matter of taste. Satin paper will provide the most flexible image on a piece of paper, allowing it to be displayed in differing environments. Glossy papers are liked by many but required precise conditions in order to be viewed to its full potential.
Although glossy cards do give off a certain appeal, matte cards are widely perceived to be more professional and modern. It eliminates glare. Whether your business card contains a lot of information or just a line or two of text, a matte finish can make it easier to read.
Introduction: My name is Wyatt Volkman LLD, I am a handsome, rich, comfortable, lively, zealous, graceful, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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