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Matte V Gloss Photograph Finishes:

 

When printing photographs there are two different finishes you can choose, matte or gloss.  During the printing process, different chemicals and photographic papers can be used to create the two contrasting finishes.  Gloss prints have a shiny finish while matte ones have a more subtle neutral one.

So which one should you choose? There is no right or wrong choice.  Each style has its own benefits and disadvantages, and only you can decide which is best for you and your photographs.  Listed below are the pros and cons of both matte and gloss prints.

 
Gloss
Matte

Pros:

 

 

  • Have a shiny finish.
  • Colours are rich and deep.
  • Colours are also vibrant.
  • Prints are more appealing to the eye.

 

 

  • Fingerprints and smudges are not as visible.
  • Less likely to attract dust.
  • Glare is significantly reduced, so they are easier to view in almost any light condition.

 

Cons:

 

 

  • They are highly susceptible to fingerprints, smudges.  To remove fingerprints and smudges, you need to use a photo cloth and/or a liquid solution. Rubbing a photo, no matter how soft the cloth is, can produce scratches.
  • Dust is easily attracted.
  • Prints produce a glare, making them difficult to see from certain angles.  When viewed using intense light sources such as daylight sun or strong light bulbs, light reflected from the print can blind the viewer making it hard to see the photograph.

 

 

  • The texture of matte finish can make a photo look grainy (they do not have the fancy high quality look that gloss prints have).
  • Colors are usually less vibrant.
  • Colours are less rich.

 

 

 

 

Although there are no strict rules, some standards have developed.  These are listed below:

  • The general consensus is that black and white prints look better with a matte finish.
  • Large prints that will be framed and hung for display are generally printed with a matte finish (as glare is reduced).  For this reason, most professional prints are printed on matte paper.
  • If the print will be handled a lot, matte is the best choice (unless you do not mind spending time cleaning your gloss prints every now and then).
  • Gloss finish is a good choice when printing everyday snapshots or photos with rich vibrant colors.

 

Now that you know the differences between the two finishes, you should be able to make a more educated decision.  Remember that it is a matter of personal preference.  Choose the finish that appeals to you and suits the photograph.  I wouldn’t dream of forcing the choice on a customer.  I prefer to give you the option and let you decide.

 

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