Printing is not just printing your design, the small details of your printed item matter more than you think. When we say first impression; A business card, brochure or a flyer can either make your sale or lose your customer. This means that every detail and finish of your promotional and contact material should be designed and printed properly because it will decide how your brand will be perceived in the first meeting.
In detail of your printed item the most basic is Gloss and matte finish. As you can understand from the words itself Gloss finish is shining and matte is flat and non reflective. Matte versus Glossy is not just shine or not rather it defines what your business card or flyer will feel in the hand as well. Moreover, this finish difference defines your business aesthetic as well.
If you need printing services in Dubai or anywhere else in the UAE this guide by Shaheen advertising below will help you understand that from glossy and matte which one to choose, the difference between gloss and matte and their pros and cons. Secondly we will analyze what finish you should go for that represents your business goals and vibe as well.
What are “Glossy” and “Matte” finishes?
In printing services, Glossy and matte are the basic finishes of cardstock papers. Both have their own grace and beauty but it is important to know what is the difference between glossy and matte so that you can choose those finish styles which work best for your brand need and concept.
Glossy Finish is reflective, shiny. It enhances the visuals, colour scheme and sharpness so it looks vibrant and attention catching as well. Glossy finish is mostly used for photos print, business cards, catalogs and overall marketing materials as well. If your business needs vibrant and strong visual impression prints then you should go with glossy cardboard papers.
Matte Finish is non reflective and diffused finish. It gives a sophisticated, subtle and more refined look. If you need elegance in your print or design is content heavy or text full like invitation cards then you should go with matte finish.
So glossy or matte finish isn’t just about the paper it will define how your brand will be perceived once the print will be in the hand of your customer.
Is Glossy Paper Right for You? Benefits and Drawbacks
- The benefit of Glossy paper is that it adds richness and pops up the colors of the print. It works well if you need prints for marketing like brochures, catalog, promotional flyer and poster. In case of dust it can be wiped easily through a glossy surface.
- The drawback of glossy paper is that the shiny surface might be difficult to read and glare under bright light. Secondly finger prints and smudges are visible on glossy surfaces. Moreover it is difficult to write on glossy finish as ink wont stay on this surface type.
Is Matte Paper Right for You? Benefits and Drawbacks
- The Advantages of matte paper is that as its surface is non-shiny so no finger print can left seen on it and can easily write on matte surface. Matte is non reflective and sophisticated and often considered as a premium look.
- The drawback of matte paper is that it cannot be used for high visual marketing campaigns as it is non shiny and high energy design which on reflective shiny light might feel subtle and design lose it purpose.
Key factors to choose between Glossy & Matte
- The first one is to look at whether your print is more design focused then glossy and if more content focus then matte. It means that if you want your business card or flyer, whatever you are printing to be more visual and color depth then choose glossy otherwise for an elegant look go with matte.
- Secondly, to choose between two finishes either glossy or matte, first see for what purpose you are going to use this print for, as an example if your print will be looked under bright light, outdoor, indoor like is it brochure, menu, catalog, business card and then it will be easy for you decide to go for which look.
- Thirdly, the image you want for your brand will also decide what finish you should choose. If you need to show a more bold and sleek image than glossy finish and if you want to portray your brand as elegant, sophisticated and a soft image primarily then go for matte finish.
- Fourth most important point to be noted is that if your printed paper needs to be written on something on it with a pen or marker then glossy will not work as ink will not stay on it and matte is your option so a printed matte finish paper is commonly used for customized or hand written notes.
- Lastly, if you need your printed paper to be durable or it will exchange more hands and need to last longer then you have to decide either to go for glossy or matte. Here is the reason that a glossy business card will have fingerprints left on it and its shine will be lost over time. But glossy paper is more resistant to water.
What is Glossy paper used for
Glossy paper is used for photo books, portfolio, catalogs, marketing material, packaging, bold promotional material and anything which has visuals, colorful photos, designs and what can be used to attract attention.
what is matte paper used for
Matte paper is used for aesthetic vibes like invitation cards, business cards for creative and aesthetic industry, designs with more text, items that need more text, menus which need to be used in dim lighting.
How Shaheen Advertising helps
Shaheen Advertising helps you to choose from these finishes in a step by step and easy to select process;
- First we provide our customer with samples with both glossy and matte finishes.
- We help you match your design with the right kind of finish for paper, for example; if your print is going to be design heavy then we might recommend glossy and if text heavy then we will recommend matte finish paper.
- Moreover there are various other factors that we will ask our customer that are going to be used in an outdoor or indoor setting, if indoor, what is the lighting situation and is it going to circle around in hands how many times so that we can recommend what you should opt for.
- Last but not the least we always make sure that for your print to remain durable and long lasting we put the right coating and lamination. And high quality paper and finish is chosen
Final thoughts
With Shaheen Advertising you will not have difficulty in making a decision to choose between glossy or matte, our experts who have years of experience and knowledge will help you decide either glowy or subtle and elegant.
FAQs
Which is better for vivid photos, glossy or matte?
Glossy finish is recommended for vivid photos as it will enhance the contrast of image and due to shiny surface vivid photos details will be more brighter and visibles. However, on the other hand if you need a more artistic look for example for a portrait then matte finish is a better idea.
Does glossy or matte show fingerprints more easily?
Glossy shows fingerprints more easily and in case of more circulation of print the print will look smudges due to its reflective coating. Glossy is attractive but its drawback is that if your product is menu cards or something which goes around hands more frequently than fingerprints become visible.
What is the difference between matte and shiny cards?
Matte is non reflective, flat and more professional look, it is used for sophisticated, professional and elegant representation in prints. For example, the corporate brochures.
Shiny cards are glossy, reflective and more visual focused. For example catalogs, menus, and any print which is image focused.
Is matte or glossy better for text-heavy brochures?
Matte is the recommended option for text heavy brochures as text heavy means more text so font might be smaller and readability is needed so reflective surface like glossy is not suitable for text heavy brochures.
Do printers in Dubai offer sample swatches for matte and glossy finishes before orders?
Yes nearly all Printers and our Printing company shaheen Advertising also provides books and swatches for matte and glossy finishes. These sample swatches will help you see what in real it looks and feels like. Similarly, what is the weight of each paper type? How do they look in different lighting? So yes, Shaheen Advertising gives consultation and samples to every client to make better and informed decisions.
