Glossy Coating vs Matte Finish

Choosing a Finish Type When Printing

Choosing whether to use a paper with glossy coating versus matte finish is as individual as choosing a hairstyle. Whether your print job looks professional or not is a combination of paper, layout, and graphics. Glossy paper may be perfect for one job but make another job look cheap.

So how do you decide? Consider the nature of the project. Are you preparing a full color brochure with photographs? A glossy coating will work best for this type of project in most cases. Are your graphics hand drawn? A matte paper often forms a better frame for artwork, as most artists do their work on matte paper.

Paper Type and Image Quality

Glossy paper is made by applying a thin layer of kaolin, a white Chinese clay, to the paper. This creates a surface that can take a sharp image. The quality of paper under the clay has an impact on how sharp the image will be. Magazines such as Woman’s World use a newsprint quality base paper. National Geographic uses a high quality base paper. You can readily see the difference in the quality of the photographs.

Depending on how the clay is applied, a paper may also be semi-matte in finish. This finish may also be called a silk finish.

All three types of paper finishes, gloss, semi-matte, and matte, can be improved by a process called calendarizing. This involves putting the paper between high pressure rollers as the last step in the paper making process. This helps press the paper fibers together and harden the surface. A slight gloss occurs from this process.

Printing Paper Type Q&A

Aside from appearance, what other considerations are involved in selecting a paper finish?

Consider whether a brochure is going to be folded in a location with high humidity. The clay surface tends to soften and can stick, making a brochure unreadable. Real estate flyers printed on glossy stock can develop this problem. Whole stacks of papers stick together at the top or the bottom. Matte papers rarely stick together unless thoroughly soaked and pressed together.

Are there any other things I should consider?

The baby boomer generation is finding print on shiny surfaces harder to read. A matte surface doesn’t reflect light back into your eyes, so it can be easier to read print on matte paper. If you are targeting that age group with your materials, you may want to consider this (along with larger type).

Glossy papers cost more. Do they really make that much difference?

If your print job looks fuzzy, you just threw your money away. Make sure that the paper you choose will work with the level of detail you are printing. Never forget that a professional flyer or brochure tells others about the quality of your company.

Getting Started Printing Glossy or Matte

Remember that the decision of glossy coating versus matte finish comes down to what works best for you. Unless a print job is very detailed, matte paper may be an excellent, cost effective choice. In other situations a glossy coating will make your project look its best. Research your options and go with what works for you.

At PrintingChoice.com, we provide an easy-to-use printing price search, so you can find the best deals on the most common types of print jobs. Our search does not include glossy or matte options because they generally cost close to the same price. Be sure to select your preferred option upon checkout, however, from whatever online printing company you choose!

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