The finish you choose for your printed material plays a big role in how it looks, feels and performs. While the design and paper weight are important, the finish is often what people notice first when they pick something up.
Different finishes suit different uses, so understanding the options helps you choose something that fits both your brand and how the item will be used.
Gloss finish
Gloss finishes have a shiny, reflective surface that makes colours appear bold and vibrant.
Gloss is commonly used for:
- Flyers and leaflets with strong imagery
- Promotional material
- Photo-heavy designs
Because gloss reflects light, it can sometimes show fingerprints and glare under bright lighting. It’s great for impact, but not always ideal to write on with ball point pens.
Matt finish
Matt finishes have a smooth, non-reflective surface with a more subtle, premium appearance.
Matt is often chosen for:
- Business cards
- Brochures
- Book covers
- Corporate stationery
It feels professional and modern and is easier to read under bright lights. Colours appear slightly softer than gloss, which many businesses prefer for a refined look. Again it’s not always easy to write on.
Silk finish
Silk is one of the most popular finishes because it sits between gloss and matt.
Silk is ideal for:
- Flyers
- Posters
- Menus
- Booklets
It offers good colour reproduction without heavy glare and is a versatile choice for many types of print. Like the two options above it can be difficult to write on depending on the type of pen used.
Uncoated paper
Uncoated paper has a natural, slightly textured feel and absorbs ink more than coated papers.
It’s commonly used for:
- Letterheads
- Compliment slips
- Notepads
- Minimalist designs
Uncoated paper is easy to write on but colours appear more muted compared to coated stocks.
Special finishes
Some items benefit from added protection or a premium feel, such as:
- Soft-touch lamination for luxury materials
- Laminated finishes for durability
- Encapsulation for wipe-clean or waterproof items
How to choose the right finish
When deciding on a finish, consider:
- How the item will be used
- Whether it needs to be durable
- How important colour vibrancy is
- Whether the item will be handled often
If you’re unsure, we can show you samples and help you choose the most suitable finish for your project.
