Matte vs. Glossy: What’s the difference?
The type of photo finish you select can dramatically change how your pictures look and feel. The simple choice between matte and glossy can make a world of difference!
This guide will walk you through the differences between matte and glossy photos. We’ll look at the advantages and disadvantages of each so you can confidently choose the best option for your needs.
Several factors play a role in deciding which finish to use. For example, where will you be displaying the photo? How much will you be handling it? And, of course, what’s your personal preference?
Lighting conditions, viewing distance, and even the photo’s subject can influence which finish you should pick. But ultimately, the decision comes down to what you like best.
Defining a glossy photo finish
Glossy photos are what most of us think of when we picture a photograph: shiny and slick, with colors that seem to pop right off the surface. Here’s a closer look at the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of a glossy finish.
Characteristics of glossy prints
- High reflectivity and sheen. The surface of a glossy photo reflects light, so it has a shiny look.
- Enhanced color vibrancy and saturation. Colors appear richer and more intense than they do on matte prints.
- Increased sharpness and detail. A glossy finish can bring out fine details in an image.
Advantages of glossy prints
- A glossy finish is best for vibrant colors and dynamic range, making it ideal for photos with bold colors and strong contrasts.
- Glossy photos have a polished and professional look, so they’re a good choice for showcasing high-quality images.
Disadvantages of glossy prints
- Glossy photos are prone to fingerprints and smudges. The smooth surface of a glossy print easily attracts and displays fingerprints.
- Glossy prints are susceptible to glare and reflections, especially in bright lighting. Reflections can obscure details and make the photo hard to see.
- Glossy photos may not be ideal for close viewing because the glare can be distracting.
What’s a matte photo finish?
Matte photo finishes are characterized by a non-reflective surface with a slight texture. Here’s a closer look at what that means.
Characteristics of matte prints
- Non-reflective surface. Matte prints diffuse light, which reduces glare and reflections on the print.
- Muted colors. Colors tend to look softer and more natural on a matte print.
- Hides fingerprints. The texture of a matte finish minimizes the visibility of fingerprints and smudges.
Advantages of matte prints
- Ideal for bright spaces. The reduction in glare and reflections makes matte prints well-suited to brightly lit rooms.
- Easy to handle. Matte photos can be handled without worrying about fingerprints or damage.
- Artistic look. Matte prints have a softer, more artistic feel and are often the choice for fine art prints and portraits.
Disadvantages of matte prints
- Less vibrant. Colors on matte prints tend to be less vibrant and dynamic than they are on glossy prints.
- Less defined. Matte prints can make details appear slightly softer, which might not be ideal for images where you want maximum sharpness.
When should I choose glossy photos?
Glossy photos can be a great choice in certain circumstances. Consider glossy prints when you want to:
- Emphasize vibrant colors and contrast. Glossy paper will make landscapes with blue skies, sunsets, and other colorful details really pop.
- Ensure accurate color. Product photography, for example, benefits from glossy paper’s ability to make colors appear true-to-life.
- Display photos in a dimly lit room. The reflective surface of glossy prints helps brighten images, even when the lighting isn’t ideal.
- Create a polished, professional look. Glossy prints lend themselves well to formal portraits and high-end presentations.
- Print family portraits, fine art, and nature scenes. Glossy paper can be an excellent choice for all of these.
When should I choose matte photos?
Matte photos shine in certain situations. Consider matte prints if:
- You’re displaying photos in bright rooms. Matte finishes reduce distracting glare and reflections.
- People will be handling the photos a lot. Matte paper hides fingerprints and smudges.
- You want a softer, more artistic feel. Matte paper gives photos a muted, classic look. It’s perfect for black and white photography or fine art prints.
- You want the viewer to focus on the image. The non-reflective surface makes the photo itself the star.
In short, matte is your friend when you want to minimize distractions and emphasize the artistic qualities of your image.
Beyond prints: matte and glossy in other photo products
When choosing a finish for your photos, it’s also helpful to consider what product you’re planning to use. Glossy and matte finishes can add different qualities to acrylic prints, metal prints, canvas prints, and framed prints.
Glossy finish applications
- Acrylic prints: A glossy finish can enhance the depth and vibrancy of an acrylic print.
- Metal prints: A glossy finish can create a sleek, modern look with vivid colors on a metal print.
Matte finish applications
- Canvas prints: A matte finish on canvas can give your image a textured, artistic feel.
- Framed prints: A matte finish can reduce glare and give your framed print a classic look.
Things to consider
Your choice of finish will have a big effect on how your final product looks. Think about where you’ll be displaying the product and how often it will be handled when you’re deciding whether to go with a matte or glossy finish.
Some photo printing services offer both matte and glossy options for different products. Posterjack, for example, offers a wide range of options for printing photos on different materials.
In Conclusion
Matte and glossy photo finishes each have their advantages. Glossy photos offer vibrant colors and a reflective sheen but are prone to fingerprints. Matte photos reduce glare, display softer colors, and resist fingerprints.
As you decide between matte and glossy, consider where you’ll display the photo, how often you’ll handle it, and what you like best. Lighting conditions, viewing distance, and the photo’s intended use will all factor into your choice.
Ultimately, the best finish comes down to your individual needs and aesthetic preferences. If you’re unsure, try ordering the same photo in both finishes. That way, you can see the difference for yourself and decide which one you prefer.