Finishes play an important role in adding a professional look to printed objects. Matte and gloss are two core finishes extensively used in the printing and packaging industry. These finishes are used to enhance the aesthetic appeal, protect the printed design, and improve the tactile experience. If you have a product-based business, you must know matt vs gloss finishes to choose the one that aligns with your products’ packaging needs.
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Matte finishes result in a velvety touch with a subtle effect. On the other hand, gloss finishes add a shiny effect to the packaging with a silky touch and feel. Read on to explore the comprehensive difference between matte and glossy finishes!
Understanding the difference between lamination and finishes helps you get a better idea about matte vs gloss finishes. Some people often confuse lamination with coatings or finishes. Both lamination and finish are different things. The main difference between lamination and coating/finishing lies in their material, process, and appeal.
What is lamination? The answer to this question is that it is a process of applying an additional layer of plastic on the packaging for a glossy or matte effect. In contrast, coating is a process in which a liquid coat is directly applied to the surfaces. The liquid coat is cured with UV light for a better application on the materials.
Let’s break down matte vs gloss finishes into small pieces for better understanding. Starting with the conceptual understanding of matte finish. The process of applying a matte liquid, which is cured with ultraviolet light, for an even application on the surface, is called matte coating or finish.
It results in a dull and non-reflective surface that absorbs light rather than reflecting it. A matte finish is also known as a flat finish. If you want to achieve a subdued look for a packaging or printing material, a matte finish is the best.
Knowing the basic concept of gloss finish is important to understand the matte vs gloss debate. A specific liquid cured with UV light to apply on surfaces like printed photos, packaging, and artwork to achieve a shiny and reflective appeal is called gloss finish. The glossy effect of gloss finish results in a clean, professional, and high-sheen finish.
Gloss finish is ideal for retail packaging to help your products stand out from the competition. You should choose a gloss finish if you want to enhance the unique designs. Likewise, a layer of glossy finish on printed brooches and promotional materials adds a polished look, attracting customers.
As we discussed earlier, lamination and coating are different. So, do the matte finish and lamination. Matte lamination is achieved by applying a matte plastic film to the surface and securing it with heat and pressure. As a result of a laminating process, a matte plastic finish is achieved that provides a smooth, non-reflective finish to printed materials.
On the other hand, a gloss plastic film is applied to the printed surfaces with the help of heat and pressure to achieve the high-sheen effect. In short, the process of achieving a glossy or matte look is different in lamination and coating. This way, you can better understand the matte finish vs glossy finish debate.
What to choose from gloss vs matte lamination? The answer to this question lies in the pros and cons of matte and gloss lamination pros and cons. Here are some pros and cons of matte mod podge vs gloss lamination:
The following are some advantages of matte lamination you should never ignore while understanding matte vs gloss finishes:
The following are a few disadvantages of matte lamination you should know when exploring matte vs gloss finishes:
Here are some pros and cons of gloss lamination, which helps you understand mod podge matte vs gloss laminations:
Matte and gloss are extensively used in printing and packaging to highlight the unique designs because design influences customers’ purchasing decisions. However, both finishes have some pros and cons. Opposite of glossy finish, matte finish comes with the following benefits:
The following benefits of a matte finish help you choose the right finish when exploring matte vs gloss finishes:
Matte finish has some boon and some bane, like anything. The following are a few cons you may consider when choosing between matte vs gloss finishes:
Here are some cons of a matte finish you should know:
Let’s discuss some benefits of a glossy finish while continuing the matte vs gloss finishes debate:
Here are some advantages of gloss finish that make it ideal to apply on printed surfaces:
The following are a few disadvantages of glossy finishes you may look into to choose the right one when exploring matte vs gloss finishes:
Almost every product-based industry uses a matte finish to add a premium appeal to product packaging. Luxury gift packaging is mostly coated with a matte finish to exude luxury and classy appeal. Apparel is packed in muted packaging finishes with matte coating. Business cards are often coated with a matte finish. Some high-end retail products like watches and books have matte-finished boxes.
Gloss finish is extensively used in printing, retail, and the gift industry to highlight the design elements on the surfaces. Most developed photos and artwork are coated with a gloss finish to ensure the print remains protected while enhancing the design. From food to toys, almost every product placed on retail shelves is customized with a glossy finish to catch customers’ attention at first glance. Most waterproof packaging labels and stickers are coated with a glossy effect to enhance the brand's visibility.
Let’s conclude the discussion about matte vs gloss finishes with the key differences, which help you decide what to choose. The following are some major differences between matte and gloss finishes:
At their core, both matte and glossy films serve the primary purpose of packaging.
While both are types of BOPP film, they differ in appearance and finish. The key distinction lies in their shine: glossy film is bright and reflective, while matte film has a non-reflective, more subdued appearance. Matte film tends to have a more consistent, darker look, whereas glossy film offers a high shine.
Here are a few ways to tell if a BOPP film is matte or glossy:
Glossy film features a reflective, shiny surface, while matte film has a non-reflective, dull finish with a more textured feel.
Gloss film reflects light and provide a high level of gloss, resulting in vibrant colors and a polished look. Matte film, on the other hand, absorbs light and minimize glare for a softer look.
The glossy film feels smooth, while the matte film has a slightly rough texture.
Glossy film offers high-definition clarity, making it ideal for displaying vivid images and sharp details. In contrast, matte film has a slightly diffused transparency, which can be beneficial for designs requiring a softer focus or reduced glare.
Due to its reflective surface, glossy film is more susceptible to fingerprints and smudges, requiring more frequent cleaning. Matte film, being non-reflective, is less likely to show marks, keeping its appearance cleaner for longer.
The choice between glossy and matte film can influence how a product or brand is perceived. Glossy film is often linked to a premium, luxurious feel, while matte film is typically seen as more subtle and understated.
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Ultimately, the decision between gloss and matte film comes down to the specific application, design preferences, and the desired aesthetic for the product or brand.
Both matte and glossy BOPP films are made from polypropylene (PP) through a process called biaxial orientation, meaning the base materials are the same. The difference lies in how the film’s surface is treated to achieve a matte finish. There are several methods to create this effect:
During production, a matting agent can be added to the film. These agents have specific properties that scatter light, reducing the glossiness and creating a matte appearance.
The film's surface can be treated with processes like sanding or embossing. These techniques alter the microscopic structure of the film, making the surface uneven and scattering light, which results in a matte finish.
Co-extrusion involves using different resin combinations to create a multi-layer film. By incorporating a matting resin into one of the layers, a matte effect can be achieved on one or both sides of the film.
A matting coating can be applied to the film's surface. This coating contains tiny particles or a specific chemical structure that helps scatter light and reduce the glossiness, creating a matte finish.
When deciding between matte and glossy films, there are several important questions that clients frequently ask:
Glossy films are known for their scratch and mark resistance, often resulting in a longer lifespan. However, matte films are still quite durable. Both types of films offer timeless visual appeal, resist fading, and withstand the test of time, especially when properly maintained.
This is a subjective question, but it's often a concern for customers. Glossy films tend to enhance the vibrancy and clarity of images, making them ideal for high-impact visuals. On the other hand, matte films provide a softer, more understated appearance, which makes them perfect for natural scenes and portraits where subtlety is key.
Glossy films often attract attention due to their bright, shiny surface, which can enhance mood and emphasize certain elements. People are naturally drawn to brightness, which makes glossy films stand out. Additionally, glossy films are typically more cost-effective than matte films, making them a popular choice in the BOPP film market for both subjective appeal and affordability.
The choice between matte and glossy film ultimately depends on the specific needs of your project. Here are some scenarios where one may be more suitable than the other:
Thermal lamination uses heat and pressure to bond two materials, often resulting in laminated sheets, cards, or pouches. This process can be done with either a roll laminator or a pouch laminator.
- Appearance: Glossy finishes give documents a shiny, professional look, making them more eye-catching.
- Pros:
- More vibrant colors and sharper images.
- Strong resistance to fingerprints and stains.
- Ideal for frequently handled or publicly displayed projects like posters and banners.
- Cons:
- Shows fingerprints and scratches more easily.
- Can be difficult to write on.
- Appearance: Matte finishes offer a softer, more subdued look that minimizes glare, making them easier to read.
- Pros:
- Better at hiding fingerprints and stains.
- Reduces glare, making it perfect for items displayed under strong lighting, like reading materials.
- Less attention-grabbing, ideal for projects that don’t require high visual impact.
- Cons:
- Colors and images may appear less vivid and sharp compared to a glossy finish.
Glossy films can emphasize bright colors and high contrast, making them great for bold printing effects and vibrant designs.
- Glossy Finishes: Perfect for packaging that displays the product clearly, as the shiny surface helps attract attention.
- Matte Finishes: Convey sophistication and luxury, making them ideal for premium or high-end snack products.
For packaging materials, matte films create a deeper, textured appearance that complements artistic and elegant designs, while glossy films highlight sharp contrast and vibrant colors.
Ultimately, choosing between matte and glossy films depends on the visual impact, functionality, and the desired message for your specific application.
In short, there is no clear winner in the battle between glossy film and matte film. Both printing methods have their own advantages. The real winner is your industry’s preference, determined by the nature of the project and your vision. Wish you prosperous business!
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