The Difference between glossy and matte art paper

This article is aim to tell you the differences between the two paper types to help you to choose the suitable paper when print. We’ll help you understand the physical differences (by explaining the manufacturing), and how to choose the best paper based on the designs you have to print.

The differences in manufacturing gloss and matte paper

The two paper types look and feel different to the touch, in fact , they’re actually make in a very similar manner. Believe it or not, both of matte art papr and glossy art paper are using the same chemical coating . Gloss paper simply has more of the coating applied than matte paper. You can image that the matte paper as a “semi-gloss” or a “light gloss”—it has enough of a coating to add thickness and smoothness to the paper, but not enough to reflect paper under the light.

There is a funny situation that the gloss paper is very slightly thinner than matte paper, even though they’re the same weight. For example: if you print brochures on gloss and matte paper, they’ll weigh the same amount on the scale. However, the glossy booklets are denser, and ever-so-slightly thinner.

Factors when choosing between gloss and matte paper for printing

The biggest factor when you choose between gloss and matte paper is the kinds of content that you’re printing. How many images , graphic designs/illustrations, and articles of text do you have in your designs ?

Gloss paper is shinier which makes the color in your images “pop” on the sheet. The extra shine works well on print files with heavy color coverage, especially photographs and big graphics. This effect also gives the color on the prints look like they have higher contrast.

Matt paper has a more muted feel to it. This can be used to great effect in designs with a light or pastel color scheme, and in designs with a great deal of text on it. Because matte paper changes less under the light, they also have more of a “flat” feel than gloss sheets.

Matt paper is easier to be written by all kinds of pens , while gloss paper is OK for ball pens but not so good for ink pens to write, cause gloss paper absorb ink slowly.

Final thoughts

Don’t be stress! If you can not choose the correct paper for your printings . Do not worry , we can recommend the suitable paper for you. ,Both paper types carry color very well, and it ends up coming down to subtle preference and nuance.