Emma Davis, 4OVER4 print production voice (illustration)
Emma Davis Print Production Specialist at 4OVER4.COM

Emma is our prepress and print production voice, built from the knowledge of our production team, with over 20 years in printing.

Question

What is matte printing and how does it differ from glossy?

Answer

Matte printing uses a non-reflective finish that absorbs light instead of bouncing it back. Colors read softer and more muted than on gloss, and the surface resists glare and fingerprints.

MatteGlossy
SurfaceNon-reflectiveShiny, reflective
ColorSofter, mutedVivid, saturated
Glare and fingerprintsResists bothShows both
Best forText-heavy work, photos, handled piecesMaximum color pop and shine

Matte is the smart pick for text-heavy layouts, photography prints, and anything people handle often. Choose glossy when you want maximum color vibrancy and shine.

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Sizes From 11x17 to 48x96 Pick a standard poster size or go big, on 60+ paper stocks. Pick a Size →
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G7 Certified Color Accuracy
25+ Years Since 1999
150,000+ Businesses Served