Summary:
- Understanding the differences between a matte and glossy finish can help you make the right decision for your next print project. Matte paper offers a soft, non-reflective finish ideal for readability and a premium, understated look. Glossy paper provides a shiny, high-contrast finish that enhances vibrant imagery and visual impact.
- Choose matte for text-heavy materials like manuals and reports or luxury brand items like packaging and stationery. Glossy finishes are great for colourful visuals such as photos and brochures. If you’re torn between the two finishes, match the overall look and feel of your brand.
- Longevity is an important factor. Glossy paper resists moisture and enhances colour but shows fingerprints and glare. Matte paper hides wear, reduces glare and maintains a clean appearance with frequent handling.
- Requesting a test print or sample kit from Little Rock can help ensure the perfect fit for your project.
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When it comes to printing, one decision can significantly impact the final product: the choice between matte and glossy paper. Each finish has its own characteristics, benefits and ideal use cases.
Understanding the differences between the two paper finishes can help you select the right one for your project—whether you’re working on professional photographs, marketing materials or custom packaging. The Little Rock team breaks down what to consider when deciding which finish to use for your next print project.
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The Look and Feel: Matte vs Glossy
Matte Paper
Matte paper has a non-reflective, flat finish that gives it a smooth and elegant appearance. The surface diffuses light, resulting in a muted, soft look that emphasizes texture and readability. It tends to have a more refined, sophisticated aesthetic that feels premium and understated.
Feel: Soft and velvety to the touch
Visual effect: Dull or muted finish with no glare
Texture: Often slightly toothy, giving it a tactile, natural feel
Glossy Paper
Glossy paper is coated with a shiny finish that enhances colour contrast and sharpness. It has a high-sheen surface that reflects light, which can make images pop with vivid detail. This type of paper is often associated with consumer photography, promotional materials and anything meant to grab visual attention.
Feel: Smooth and slick
Visual effect: Shiny and reflective, producing vibrant, crisp visuals
Texture: Sleek and glass-like
Finding the Best Finish For Different Product Types
The choice between matte and glossy depends largely on the content of your project—particularly whether you’re printing text, images or a mix of both.
For Text-Heavy Designs: Go Matte
For documents with large blocks of text, matte paper is the clear winner. Its non-reflective surface reduces eye strain and makes reading more comfortable, especially under bright lighting. Matte also prevents ink smudging, making it ideal for annotated or written materials.
Product examples:
For Vibrant Imagery: Choose Glossy
If your design relies on full-colour images, vivid graphics or high-definition photography, glossy paper is often the best choice. Its reflective surface intensifies colors and detail, creating a polished, photo-lab-quality result.
Product examples:
For Luxury Branding: Lean Toward Matte
When creating materials meant to convey luxury, sophistication or authenticity, matte paper often feels more upscale. Its subtle finish aligns with modern branding aesthetics and exudes a sense of exclusivity.
Product examples:
- Packaging
- Stationery
- Lookbooks
Overall, you know your brand best—choose a finish that aligns to your brand’s personality. For example, a modern tech company might prefer clean, high-gloss materials while an artisan bakery might lean toward matte for a more handmade, grounded feel.
Considerations for Longevity
Another thing to consider when choosing a paper finish is longevity and everyday use. Think about how often the product will be touched, handled and read in the short-term and long-term.
Durability
Both matte and glossy papers are durable when using high-quality stock, but the coating can affect how each holds up over time. Glossy paper resists dirt and moisture slightly better due to its coated surface but is prone to scratches. Matte paper may absorb moisture more easily but is better at hiding wear and tear like creases or abrasions.
Fingerprint Resistance
This is a critical factor, especially for printed items that will be handled frequently. Glossy finishes tend to attract and show fingerprints, which can quickly mar the appearance of a beautiful product. Matte finishes are much more fingerprint-resistant, maintaining a clean look over time, even with regular use.
Glare
Glare can also affect usability and aesthetics, particularly for display or reading. Glossy paper reflects light, creating glare that can be distracting or even obscure content. Matte paper diffuses light, making it easier to view from different angles without interruption.
Print Your Finished Paper Products with Little Rock
The matte versus glossy debate doesn’t have a universal answer—it all depends on what you’re printing, how it will be used and what kind of impression you want to make. Glossy paper excels at making imagery shine and capturing attention with visual impact. Matte paper brings a quieter sophistication and practicality that’s perfect for text-heavy projects and luxury branding.
If you’re not 100% sure on whether to use a glossy or matte finish, request a test print or order a free paper sample kit through Little Rock! You can compare the look and feel of our paper options before placing your order. If you have questions about any of our print products, contact a Little Rock Printing expert today.
