If you’re looking to print out a family photo, wedding photo, or other important event in your life, then you have probably wondered what is the best paper to use.
There are many different types of photo paper available on the market and they all have their pros and cons. There are also different prices for each paper but we have put together a guide that explains what you need to look out for when buying a glossy or matte paper.
What is Glossy and Matte Paper?
Both types of prints are fairly common, and you’ve most likely seen them. Glossy prints, as the name suggests, are shiny and smooth. Their luster is due to the addition of plastic-like chemicals to the paper’s coating. Glossy prints are typically used in high-volume print applications, including photo booths.
If a photo has reflections when seen at an angle, it was probably printed on glossy paper. On the other side, matte photo sheets are less shiny and more drab.
The majority of photographs exhibited in museums and galleries are printed on matte paper, however, this does not automatically imply that matte paper is the best choice. If your photo doesn’t have glossy reflections, especially under bright lighting, you’re probably looking at a matte print.
Depending on where, how, and what the photo is going to be used for, there are times when utilizing one over the other is preferable.
It’s vital to consider your options carefully whether printing on matte or glossy papers, but it’s okay if you choose the “wrong” paper type for the job. Your image won’t be destroyed, and you’ll still see fantastic colors and contrast. Consider these advantages and disadvantages as guidelines for how to weigh glossy and matte materials in different circumstances.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Glossy Photo Paper
Pro: Colors and contrast are enhanced by glossy picture papers.
If you want to enhance the colors and contrast in your photographs, glossy papers will give them a slight “pop” in both areas. This is because glossy coatings have different light-reflective qualities than matte ones. Although some photographs may be affected by this, the difference is typically not significant or obvious.
Pro: Light reflectivity is high.
On the one hand, if you don’t intend to frame your photographs, glossy prints might mimic the “glassy” appearance and bring focus to your prints.
The shiny finish provided to glossy paper prints captures the eye and provides another dimension to your photographs. This works best if you do not intend to display your photographs in direct sunlight (see below).
Con: Light reflectivity is high.
Glossy papers, on the other hand, will likely reflect too much light and detract from the images if you print photos that will be placed in direct light sources. The colors and subject of the image should be visible to viewers without them having to strain their eyes to avoid the light that is flashing onto their faces.
Pro: More affordable and widely available.
Glossy prints use less ink to obtain the same color and contrast as matte images, therefore they are less expensive to produce. Glossy materials are typically the “default” for most large print vendors, particularly for smaller sizes like 57″ prints. If you’ve ever used a photo booth, the odds are that you’ll get your prints on glossy paper since it makes printing easier.
Con: Visible fingerprints and dust.
Due to their shiny covering, glossy papers display fingerprints more easily than matte ones. Glossy prints can be cleaned of fingerprints and dust, but if you intend to handle your pictures frequently, you should think about printing them on matte paper.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Matte Photo Papers
Pro: Matte prints frequently complement frames beautifully.
Because a frame’s glass will reflect some light, matte papers take on more color when they are framed. Different forms of glass may reflect light more or less depending on the type, and glass is easier to clean than glossy paper’s shining surface.
Matte prints work best for presenting prints in frames because glossy prints typically have too much glare due to the glass and the glossy coating.
Con: Light reflectivity is low.
Matte coatings disperse light instead of reflecting it. The light that strikes a matte print will be scattered because (at the microscopic level) they are uneven surfaces. Because of this, matte prints may be more challenging to notice in poorly light areas when glossy prints could appear brighter or at the very least blend in better.
Pro: Light reflectivity is low.
Matte prints will look fantastic if you intend to show your pictures near a light source, such as in a gallery or on a fireplace with direct lighting. Matte materials will disperse the light and allow you to see the finer details of the prints, but glossy papers would likely reflect direct light too much.
Con: Less saturation and contrast.
Prints made with matte inks and varnishes have less contrast and saturation than prints made with glossy inks. It is better to print using glossy paper if you have photographs that you want to accentuate for their contrast and color.
This is not to mean that matte prints lack brilliant colors and contrast; on the contrary, they still exhibit these features extremely effectively.
Matte prints are preferable since glossy prints can make your colors and contrast “pop” too much. Matte prints are generally the best option if you’ll be printing in black and white and do not want to emphasize any colors.
Pro: Scratches, dust, and fingerprints are less noticeable and common.
Because of their coatings, matte prints are typically more long-lasting than glossy prints. Inconsistencies like fingerprints are less noticeable since matte coatings reflect less light, however, they can still be seen in the right lighting conditions. Additionally, matte prints last longer than glossy prints and require more effort to scratch than glossy prints.
Con: Typically more expensive and difficult to get your hands on.
Matte prints require more ink to print and are typically more expensive than glossy prints. Additionally, matte prints are typically easier to obtain at print shops that specialize in photographs. If they do offer matte options, they probably have fewer choices than glossy ones.
So which is the better choice for printed photos?
Depending on how and for what purposes your prints will be used, glossy and matte photo materials both offer benefits and drawbacks.
It is usually best to use matte paper when creating prints for exhibition in frames because the glass will already reflect enough light. Due to cost, availability, and the fact that you are unsure of how your relatives and friends will display the pictures, glossy paper is usually preferable if you are printing hundreds of pictures for them.
Matte papers will likely be the ideal option if you are printing instructional photos to distribute in a classroom because they will gather fewer fingerprints and scratches.
Conclusion
In the end, it’s a personal choice. It is possible to find happy mediums, of course—printing on semi-gloss paper to get some of the benefits of each type will give you a good starting point.
Most printers will have recommendations for their own papers in addition to what types they don’t recommend, so be sure to talk with them about your options. Glossy and matte papers are both worth trying out for yourself if you’re printing photos.
At Personal Touch Printing, we can help you decide on the best material for your printed photos. Please fill out this form to request a quote.
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