Question
Does the card finish affect QR code scanning?
Answer
It can. The finish changes how light bounces off the card, and glare is the main thing that trips up a phone camera trying to read a QR code. Low-reflection surfaces scan the most reliably in real-world lighting, while high-gloss finishes can throw a hotspot right across the code under bright light.
| Finish | Scan reliability |
|---|---|
| Uncoated | Excellent, no glare |
| Matte / soft touch | Excellent, diffuses light |
| Silk / satin | Good |
| High gloss / UV | Variable, glare under bright light |
- Keep strong contrast between the code and its background. Dark code on a light field scans best.
- Leave a clear quiet zone (blank margin) around the code so the camera can find its edges.
- If the front is glossy, put the QR code on an uncoated or matte back panel and always test a printed sample before a full run.
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