{"id":461,"date":"2019-06-21T18:16:12","date_gmt":"2019-06-21T18:16:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.printivity.com\/insights\/?p=461"},"modified":"2025-08-26T19:57:11","modified_gmt":"2025-08-26T19:57:11","slug":"what-is-the-difference-between-matte-and-glossy-paper","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/insights.printivity.com\/what-is-the-difference-between-matte-and-glossy-paper","title":{"rendered":"Glossy vs. Matte Prints: What\u2019s the Difference"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When you order printing, the difference between glossy vs matte prints is the \u201cshininess\u201d of the paper. This difference between glossy and matte photos is most apparent when you view them in direct light. \u00a0While matte paper has a more muted look, glossy prints will have a strong sheen and shiny surface. Both results are due to their coating and the way they reflect light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article looks into the differences between glossy vs matte paper to help you make the right choice for your print materials. We\u2019ll help you understand the physical difference between glossy and matte (by explaining the manufacturing), best uses for matte photos and glossy prints, and how to choose the best paper based on the files you have to print.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Get<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s the difference between glossy and matte photos?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The main difference between glossy and matte is that glossy photo paper is shinier\u2014this makes the color in your image \u201cpop\u201d on the sheet. The glossy finish enhances the color in the photo, creating a more vibrant image. The high-gloss finish works well on print files with heavy color coverage, especially photographs and big graphics. This effect also makes the color contrast in photo prints look more pronounced. This is a great option for large print materials that feature bright colors and fun graphics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Matte photo finishes have a more muted feel. This can be used to great effect in designs with a light or pastel color scheme, and in designs with a lot of text. Also, black and white photography tends to look better printed with a matte surface.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because matte paper changes less under the light, it also has more of a \u201cflat\u201d 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, because the writing won\u2019t smear. Thanks to the texture and more natural feel of matte paper, it can make print materials seem more professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Matte vs. glossy prints: A quick comparison<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s an overview of key differences in glossy vs matte prints:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/td>Matte Photo Prints<\/strong><\/td>Glossy Photo Prints<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Reflective Qualities<\/strong><\/td>No glare in direct light<\/td>Can create glare<\/td><\/tr>
Color Qualities<\/strong><\/td>Ideal for muted colors<\/td>Colors pop; ideal for vibrant colors<\/td><\/tr>
Surface Qualities<\/strong><\/td>Smooth; resists smudges<\/td>Smooth; more likely to show smudges and fingerprints<\/td><\/tr>
Use Cases<\/strong><\/td>Black and white photos, fine art prints, newsletters<\/a>, training manuals<\/a><\/td>Marketing calendars<\/a>, spiral-bound booklets<\/a>, hardcover books<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The differences in manufacturing matte versus glossy paper<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two paper types look and feel different to the touch, but they\u2019re actually manufactured in a very similar manner. Believe it or not, matte paper uses the same chemical coating as gloss paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gloss paper has more coating applied in the finishing process<\/a> than matte printing paper.\u00a0Matte paper<\/a>\u00a0has a semi-gloss finish and produces high-quality prints, but it lacks the vibrant effects of gloss paper. One of the biggest misconceptions about matte paper is that it<\/span>‘s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fun fact: Gloss paper is slightly thinner than matte paper, even though they\u2019re the same weight. For example: if you <\/em>print booklets<\/em><\/a> on matte and glossy paper, they\u2019ll weigh the same amount on the scale. However, the glossy booklets are denser, but ever-so-slightly thinner.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Glossy or matte: Which is best for your printing project?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Is glossy or matte better for your project? The biggest factor when you choose between matte and glossy paper is the kinds of content that you\u2019re printing photographs, graphic designs\/illustrations, and written content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Gloss (left) appears smoother and shinier than matte (right).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re printing items for repeat use in harsh environments, you may want to choose a glossy finish. But if you\u2019re printing funeral programs<\/a>, a matte finish may be more appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pro Tip: Spiral binding <\/a>and Wire Bound Book Printing<\/a> are the ideal binding type if your booklet will be written in. The flexible binding will not break when your arm is resting on the book, which is possible with perfect bound book printing<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Glossy vs matte prints: Ask the experts!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the end, both paper types carry color very well, and the choice between glossy or matte finish is mostly about personal preferences and nuance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Call the customer service representatives at Printivity at 1-877-649-5463<\/a> and request a complimentary paper sample of every paper coating and thickness!
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What looks more professional, matte or glossy?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Both matte and glossy prints can look equally professional. The choice between the two depends on how your printed product will be used or displayed. If you\u2019re not sure which finish to choose, we can help! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is it better to print matte or gloss photos?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Professional photographers and marketers may have different opinions about glossy vs matte prints. For example, sports photos may be more attention-grabbing when they\u2019re printed on gloss paper, and marketing graphics may look better in a matte finish.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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When you order printing, the difference between glossy vs matte prints is the \u201cshininess\u201d of the paper. This difference between […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":590,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18,20,9,15],"tags":[42,224,292,300,328,364,372],"class_list":["post-461","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-finishings","category-paper","category-print","category-vocabulary_and_terms","tag-attract-customers","tag-gloss-paper","tag-marketing-investment","tag-matte-paper","tag-paper-weight","tag-print-media-marketing","tag-printing"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/insights.printivity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/enhanced-1-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1665&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pgont1-7r","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/insights.printivity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/461","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/insights.printivity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/insights.printivity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insights.printivity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insights.printivity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=461"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/insights.printivity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/461\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10350,"href":"https:\/\/insights.printivity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/461\/revisions\/10350"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insights.printivity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/590"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/insights.printivity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=461"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insights.printivity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=461"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insights.printivity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=461"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}