Matte vs Glossy Posters – Everything You Need to Know

When choosing a finish for your posters, the decision often comes down to matte vs. glossy. Both have their unique appeal and serve different purposes depending on the setting and personal preference. Matte posters offer a sophisticated, non-reflective finish, ideal for professional environments and art prints. On the other hand, glossy posters boast vibrant colors and a shiny finish, making them perfect for advertisements and vivid displays. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the key differences, benefits, and best use cases for each type of finish, helping you make an informed choice for your next poster project.

According to recent market research, In the U.S. alone, poster printing services generated over $2 billion in revenue, reflecting the high demand for both matte and glossy finishes across various industries. This statistic highlights the significant role of printed materials, including posters, in the print industry which is expected to reach $834.3 billion by 2026.
Understanding the nuances between matte and glossy finishes can help you leverage this booming market to create impactful and visually appealing posters.

What is Matte finish?

A matte finish is a non-reflective, smooth finish that gives printed materials a muted and elegant look. This type of finish diffuses light rather than reflecting it, which reduces glare and fingerprints. It is often preferred for professional presentations, art prints, and settings where readability and a subtle appearance are important.

How a Printing Press Achieves a Matte Finish

1. Matte Paper:
   • The most straightforward way to achieve a matte finish is by using matte paper. This paper is coated with a matte coating during its production, which gives it a flat and non-glossy appearance. The coating is usually composed of a blend of fine clay and other materials that scatter light.
2. Matte Coating:
   • During the printing process, a matte coating can be applied to the paper. This is typically done after the ink has been printed. The matte coating is applied in liquid form and then dried, creating a non-reflective surface. This coating can also enhance the durability of the print by protecting it from scratches and handling.
3. Varnishes and Overlays:
   • Matte varnishes or overlays can be added to printed materials to achieve a matte finish. Varnish is a clear coating applied over the printed area and can be either glossy or matte. For a matte finish, a matte varnish is used, which reduces the sheen and creates a flat surface. This can be applied using a variety of methods, including roller coating or spray coating.
4. Printing Techniques:
   • Offset printing and digital printing can both produce matte finishes. In offset printing, special matte inks and matte coatings can be used. Digital printing can achieve a matte finish through the use of matte toners and inks, along with post-printing applications of matte laminates or coatings.
5. Lamination:
   • Matte lamination involves covering the printed material with a matte plastic film. This not only provides a matte finish but also increases the durability and rigidity of the print. Lamination is commonly used for items like business cards, book covers, and menus.

What is glossy finish?

A glossy finish is a shiny, reflective finish that enhances the colors and details of printed materials, giving them a vibrant and eye-catching appearance. This finish is particularly popular for advertisements, photographs, and any material where a striking visual impact is desired.

How a Printing Press Achieves a Glossy Finish

1. Glossy Paper:
   • Glossy paper is specifically designed with a shiny, smooth coating that enhances the vibrancy of colors and clarity of images. This paper is often coated with a mixture of clay and other compounds that create a reflective surface.
2. Gloss Coating:
   • A gloss coating can be applied during or after the printing process to achieve a glossy finish. This coating is typically a clear, liquid varnish that dries to form a shiny, reflective surface. It can be applied using techniques like flood coating, where the entire surface is coated, or spot coating, where only specific areas are coated to create a contrast.
3. Varnishes and Overlays:
   • Gloss varnishes or overlays are clear coatings applied over printed materials to create a glossy finish. These can be applied using various methods, including offset printing or digital printing. Gloss varnishes not only enhance the visual appeal but also protect the printed material from moisture and abrasion.
4. UV Coating:
   • UV coating is a process where a gloss coating is applied to the printed material and then cured using ultraviolet light. This creates an extremely shiny and durable finish. UV coatings are often used for high-end brochures, business cards, and promotional materials.
5. Lamination:
   • Gloss lamination involves covering the printed material with a glossy plastic film. This method provides a high-gloss finish while also increasing the durability and protection of the print. It is commonly used for covers of books, catalogs, and marketing materials.
6. Printing Techniques:
   • Both offset and digital printing techniques can produce glossy finishes. In offset printing, gloss inks and coatings are used to achieve the desired shine. In digital printing, glossy toners and post-print gloss treatments can be applied.

Wheatpaste Posters often have a matte finish due to the lightweight, uncoated paper used.

What are the Pros & Cons of Matte vs Glossy Posters?

Matte posters offer a non-reflective finish that reduces glare and fingerprints, making them ideal for professional settings and art prints, while glossy posters provide a shiny, vibrant finish that enhances colors, suitable for photographs and promotional materials. Each finish has unique benefits and drawbacks, with matte being more durable and easier to view in various lighting, whereas glossy offers more vivid visuals but can show fingerprints and glare more easily.