Matte, Gloss or Silk? A Plain-English Guide to Print Finishes
Choosing between matte, gloss and silk laminates is one of the most common questions our print team gets asked in Fordingbridge. The right finish protects your print, changes how colours appear and shapes the tactile experience your customer has when they hold your work. Here is how we advise clients across Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire.
Gloss: high impact, high contrast
Gloss finishes reflect light and make colours pop, which is why they are the default for supermarket flyers, food menus and photography brochures.
The trade-off is glare under office lighting and visible fingerprints, so we usually steer clients away from gloss for premium business cards.
Matte: understated and modern
Matte laminates scatter light rather than reflecting it, giving a soft, contemporary look that suits professional services, architects and independent retailers.
Ink density is lower on matte, so we compensate at the pre-press stage to keep dark navy and black text crisp.
Silk (or satin): the sensible middle ground
Silk sits between matte and gloss. Colours stay vibrant, glare is controlled and the sheet feels smooth without looking plastic.
For most annual reports, corporate brochures and rate cards we recommend a 170gsm silk text with a 350gsm silk cover.
Speciality finishes worth considering
Soft-touch laminate adds a suede-like feel that is popular for wedding stationery and luxury brand cards.
Spot UV lifts a logo or headline off the page with a raised gloss detail — striking on a matte base.
Foil blocking in gold, rose gold, copper or holographic silver remains the fastest way to make invitations and packaging feel expensive.
Frequently asked questions
- Which finish lasts longest?
- Laminated matte and gloss finishes both add durability. For items handled daily, such as menus or loyalty cards, we recommend a full 1.5mil laminate on 400gsm board.
- Can I write on matte business cards?
- Yes — unlaminated matte and uncoated stocks accept ballpoint and gel pen. Laminated cards need a permanent marker.
- Is silk more expensive than gloss?
- No. Silk and gloss are usually the same price at UK trade weights. Soft-touch and spot UV carry a small premium.