Memories Deserve More Than A Shoebox ^TM

Matte vs. Glossy

by Ramona Greenspan

I love glitz, glamour and all things that shine! Not only does that mean my scrapbook embellishments tend to be shiny and sparkly, it also applies to the finish of my photos. Personally, I love the shine of glossy photos. I like the way the photos sparkle and stand out on my scrapbook pages. However, not everyone shares my point of view. As much as I love the glossy finish, there are just as many loyal matte-finish fans. Each style has its own benefits and disadvantages, and only you can decide which is best for you and your photographs.

If you are unsure whether you would prefer matte- or glossy-finish prints, here are some pros and cons for each to help you decide:

Glossy

Pros:

Photos will have a shiny finish.
Colors are vibrant.
Images are crisp and sharp (assuming the original photo was in focus).
Glossy finish does not produce a textured look when scanned and converted to digital.

Cons:

They are highly susceptible to fingerprints and smudges.
To remove fingerprints and smudges, you need to use a photo cloth and/or a liquid solution. Rubbing a photo, no matter how soft the cloth is, can produce scratches.
Glossy photos produce a glare, making them difficult to see from certain angles.

Matte

Pros:

Fingerprints and smudges are not as visible.
Since most professional prints are printed on matte-finish paper, photos printed on matte paper can have a more professional look. This is especially true with black and white photographs.
Glare is significantly reduced with matte-finish prints.

Cons:

The texture of matte finish can make a photo look grainy.
Colors are usually less vibrant on a matte finish.
The texture of a matte-finish print may produce a pattern or visible texture when the photo is scanned or converted to digital.

When you have photos developed, keep in mind the way in which you will be using them. You might prefer to choose the finish based on the type of photo it is or how you'll be using it. Glossy finish is a good choice when printing everyday snapshots or photos with rich vibrant colors. Matte finish is a good alternative when printing black and white photos, photos that will be handled regularly, or photos that will be framed and hung on the wall.

While I am willing to put up with having to remove fingerprints and smudges in order to have bright vibrant colors on my glossy photos, you may not be. You may prefer the softer, easier-to-maintain look of the matte-finish prints. Knowing the pros and cons of each can help you decide which will work best for you..