Glossy vs Matte: Which is Better?

When it comes to printing and keeping your favourite photos in prime condition, there's a crucial decision to be made: glossy or matte finish? In this article, we will pit together glossy vs matte to see which one is better for your photos as we narrow down their advantages and drawbacks. For this, you will learn how to distinguish these two finishes, such as colour vibrancy, sharpness, glare reduction, and durability. By the time you finish reading, you'll have a clear picture of whether the glossy sheen or the understated elegance of matte suits your printing needs best.

What are Glossy Photo Prints?

Glossy photo prints are often the go-to option in the world of photo printing. When you choose this option, your photos come to life on glossy photo paper. What makes them so captivating is the special glossy layer added on top of the photo. This layer is designed to do one thing – reflect light in all its glory - which helps to make the images more appealing on the eye.

 

What are Matte Photo Prints?

When you pick matte, you're opting for a glare-free experience. The magic behind matte photos lies in their texture. When light touches the surface, it doesn't just bounce back in one direction. Instead, it scatters in various ways, and some of it gets absorbed. This unique quality makes matte prints the perfect choice when you want to display your photos in well-lit spaces. 

 

Comparing Matte and Glossy Poster Prints

Matte Poster Prints and Glossy Poster Prints share more in common than you might think. These two options have some striking similarities:

 

• True Colours: Both finishes maintain the true colours of your photos, ensuring your memories look just as vivid as you remember them.
• Smooth Surface: The photo paper's surface is uniformly smooth, allowing for crisp and vivid details in your prints.
• Giclee Printing: They're both created using the giclee (inkjet) printing method, giving your prints a stunning continuous tone appearance.
• Fade Resistance: Whether you choose matte or glossy, your photo prints are built to last for over 200 years, preserving your precious moments.
• Eco-Friendly: And for the environmentally conscious, rest easy knowing that these prints are made using eco-friendly, water-based, and non-toxic inks.
• Protective Shipping: Regardless of your choice, your photos will be shipped securely in protective tubes, arriving in perfect condition.

Using Matte Paper

When determining glossy vs matte, many people choose to use Matte paper for photo printing for various reasons. Whether your photos are low or high contrast, black and white portraits, or vibrant HDR landscapes, matte paper can truly do wonders. When printed on GSM paper, it can truly produce astonishing results, from the colours, to the texture and, of course, the finer details for those that prefer attention to detail. 

 

What sets matte paper apart from glossy photo printing is its ability to resist glare and fingerprints. This makes it the ideal pick when you plan to display your photos in well-lit rooms or foresee that your images will be frequently handled. Matte paper doesn't reflect light aggressively like its glossy counterpart, ensuring your images remain clear and easy to view.

 

When Not To Use Matte Paper

If you're set on having photos with a shiny, high-gloss finish that truly dazzles, then matte paper might not be your top choice.

 

The only other reason you might avoid matte paper is when you're aiming for an entirely different style or artistic effect in your photo art product.

 

Pros and Cons of Matte Paper Finish

Matte paper, essentially regular paper with a thin inkjet receiving coating, offers a unique blend of advantages and disadvantages.

 

Advantages of Matte Paper:

 

• Versatility: Matte paper is versatile and plays well with both inkjet and laser printers. Its absence of a thick, glossy coating ensures compatibility.
• Sleek Aesthetic: Matte can provide your projects with a slick and modern appearance, in line with current trends.
• Quick Drying and Smudge Resistance: It dries quickly, and its resistance to fingerprints ensures your project's quality remains intact. No accidental smudges to worry about!
• Ease of Writing: Planners produced on matte paper provide a smooth surface for writing with any pen or pencil.
• Budget-Friendly: Matte paper is often an economical choice, suitable for a wide range of printing projects.

Disadvantages of Matte Paper

 

• Susceptible to Creasing: Due to the lack of a thick coating and protective layer, matte paper is more vulnerable to both creasing and bending.
• Limited Longevity: Unless you opt for professional-grade matte paper, its longevity for your projects might not be as remarkable.

 

In essence, matte paper offers a blend of versatility and aesthetics, making it a great choice for various printing needs. However, it's essential to consider factors like durability and project type when making your selection.

 

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Glossy Finish

Glossy finishes are a go-to choice for many, especially when it comes to planners. This paper type may not be the best for scribbling notes, but it has its own captivating qualities. The thick, shiny coating on glossy paper gives it that standout factor. Here's a closer look at the pros and cons:

 

Advantages of Glossy Finish

 

• Ultra-Smooth Elegance: Glossy paper boasts an ultra-smooth finish that feels satisfying to the touch. When people hold it, they're more likely to engage with your work, drawn in by its tactile allure.
• Visual Impact: Photos printed on glossy paper pop with impressive visual appeal. They seem to leap out of the paper, making a striking impression.
• Professional Flair: Glossy paper adds a professional touch to your projects, elevating their overall appearance.

 

Disadvantages of Glossy Finish

 

• Glare Galore: One drawback is that glossy paper creates glare. This means your planner might be challenging to read under certain lighting conditions, such as at events or in classrooms.
• Writing Woes: Glossy finishes can prove tough to write on at times, making them less than ideal for planners that require frequent jotting.

 

Comparing Matte and Glossy Photos

Your choice between matte vs glossy photo prints depends on your individual tastes and the planned purpose of your pictures. Let's delve deeper into the key characteristics that set matte and glossy finishes apart:

Feature	Compatibility
Colour	Glossy photos boast high colour saturation, giving your images a vibrant and eye-catching brightness. In contrast, matte photos have less colour saturation, resulting in a softer, more delicate appearance.
Sharpness	Glossy photographs exhibit stronger contrast and excel at bringing out intricate details in an image compared to matte photographs.
Glare	Matte photos minimise glare and reflections, allowing for easier viewing from various angles.  In contrast, glossy pictures reflect light and are more susceptible to glare and reflections, which can hinder the clarity of the image.
Durability	Glossy photos are resilient over time, resistant to fading and smudging, making them an excellent choice for long-term storage.  However, if your prints will be frequently handled, matte photos are the more scratch-resistant option.
Environment	Consider the environment in which your images will be displayed when choosing between matte and glossy finishes.  Matte finishes are preferable in spaces with abundant natural light, minimising glare and reflections. For public settings, glossy finishes shine by enhancing colour richness and vibrancy.
Paper	Glossy finishes are best on smooth, shiny paper. Textured paper used for matte finishes absorbs light and diminishes glare.
Aesthetic	Matte finishes excel due to their softer, delicate feel.  Glossy finishes, with their strong contrast and brilliant colours, find their niche in landscape, wildlife photography, and other styles where a bold, striking appearance is sought.

 

You can use this table as a point of reference when underlining the differences of glossy vs matte. Ultimately, your personal preferences and the setting in which your images will be displayed should guide your choice between matte and glossy finishes. 

 

Are you looking to print images on leaflets? Learn about how to fold a leaflet with images and paper finishes in mind here.

 

Black and White vs. Colour Photos

Now, we have to consider whether glossy vs matte works better on black and white photos or colour photos.

 

Matte for Black and White:

Black and white photographs are better on matte paper because matte improves the textures and fine details of monochrome. It brings out the subtleties that make black and white photography an art form, allowing for a rich and tactile experience.

 

Glossy for Colour Images:

In contrast, when you're dealing with brilliant and vibrant colour photos, glossy paper is the better finish. Its shiny surface promotes a vibrancy of colours, creating a visual feast for the eyes. Colour photos truly shine on glossy paper, becoming bold and captivating.

 

How to choose the right finish for your photos

The perfect completion for your pictures ultimately hinges on your personal tastes and the planned application. Matte paper is better when you want to display your images in well-lit spaces with natural light. Its glare-reducing properties ensure your photos are easily visible.

On the other hand, if you're aiming to make a dramatic impression, glossy paper is the better choice. It elevates the vibrancy of your colour photos and adds a touch of sophistication to your visual storytelling.

For more assistance on choosing between glossy vs matte, check out this guide on the best photo paper for inkjet paper, and for further info, be sure to contact us today to see how our team can help.

 

FAQs

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.

Is matte or glossy better for business cards?

Matte is often preferred for business cards as it looks more professional, feels elegant, and is easier to write on, while glossy may appear flashy but can be prone to smudges.

Is glossy paper more expensive than matte?

Generally, glossy paper tends to be slightly more expensive than matte paper due to the additional coating and printing processes involved in achieving a glossy finish.

 

Sources

Richards, M., (2023) The best photo paper for inkjet printers in 2023. Digital Camera World. [online] Available at: https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/best-photo-paper [accessed 27/11/23]