Intermediate · Finish
Matt vs gloss
Matt reads cleanly with less glare; gloss makes photos pop. Choose by use-case, not fashion.
4 min read · Updated July 2026
Matt
- Soft, premium, low glare
- Easy to read under bright lights
- Great for professional services and text-heavy cards
Gloss
- High shine and vibrant colour
- Photos and graphics pop
- Great for retail, food and event promos
Combining finishes
Spot UV gloss on a matt card creates contrast — shiny logo on a soft background. See spot UV & foiling. Lamination adds protection: lamination explained.
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