Gloss Coated vs Matte Coated Paper: Which Surface?
Gloss coated paper and matte coated paper are the two most-used commercial stocks. Their weight ranges overlap completely — the difference is the surface.
At a glance
| Dimension | Gloss coated | Matte coated |
|---|---|---|
| Reflection | High-gloss, shiny | Low-glare, soft |
| Color | More vivid, high contrast | Calmer, accurate |
| Feel | Slick | Fine, slightly toothy |
| Writability | Poor (pens skip) | Writable |
| Vibe | Commercial, promotional | Premium, editorial |
How to choose
- Promo flyers, product catalogs, food posters → gloss, for color impact
- Corporate brochures, portfolios, property books → matte, for texture and reading comfort
- Anything users fill in (forms, reply cards) → matte or uncoated
FAQ
Q: Same weight — which costs more? A: Basically the same price. Choose purely on effect.
Q: Large dark areas on matte paper? A: Dark solids on matte show fingerprints and scuffs more easily — add matte lamination for protection.
Q: Text-heavy inner pages? A: Matte. Gloss glare under lamps tires the eyes.
Every Linyeah Printing configurator lets you switch stocks and compare prices directly — most products price the two identically.