There’s a moment right before a print project becomes real ,
when your design is done, your colours are ready, and everything is perfect…
except for one final, surprisingly emotional question:

“Should I choose gloss or matte?”

It sounds simple.
But the truth is:

The finish you choose can change the entire feeling of your printed piece.

A glossy flyer feels bold and energetic.
A matte business card feels calm and sophisticated.
Two papers , two completely different stories.

At Coast Print, we’ve helped thousands of businesses across Geelong, Melbourne, Torquay and the Bellarine Peninsula choose the right finish.
And today, we’ll help you do the same.

Let’s explore these two characters , Gloss and Matte ,and discover which one belongs to your brand.

1. Gloss : The Bold, Vibrant Showstopper

Gloss is the extrovert of the printing world.
It shines. It pops. It grabs attention without apologising.

Imagine a flyer promoting an event, sale or grand opening.
Gloss turns every colour into a spotlight , bright, saturated, eye-catching.

Why choose Gloss?

• Colours look vibrant and lively
• Images appear sharper
• Perfect for marketing, promotions, and visual-heavy designs
• Ideal for outdoor or high-energy campaigns

Best for:

• Flyers
• Posters
• Product brochures
• Photo-heavy prints
• Promotional materials

“If your design is all about visuals, Gloss makes it impossible to ignore.”

Explore Gloss Flyers at Coast Print

2. Matte – The Modern, Elegant Storyteller

Matte is the introvert , but the powerful kind.
It doesn’t shout.
It whispers class.

Run your fingers across a matte business card or brochure.
The softness, the smooth finish, the lack of glare , everything feels elevated.

Matte doesn’t try to impress.
It convinces quietly.

Why choose Matte?

• No reflection or glare
• Easy to read in any lighting
• Smooth, premium texture
• Perfect for elegant, minimalistic brands

Best for:

• Business cards
• Premium brochures
• Menus
• Posters used indoors
• Branding materials

“Matte is the perfect choice when you want to feel premium.”

View Matte Business Cards at Coast Print

3. When Should You Choose Gloss?

Choose Gloss if your design:

✔ Has lots of photos
✔ Uses bright colours
✔ Needs to stand out in a crowded place
✔ Is used for promotions or events
✔ Needs a modern, high-energy feel

Gloss = visibility.

If your goal is to grab attention instantly, Gloss will outperform Matte every time.

4. When Should You Choose Matte?

Choose Matte if your design:

✔ Uses subtle, soft colours
✔ Contains a lot of text
✔ Represents a high-end or luxury brand
✔ Needs a modern, minimal look
✔ Is meant for close reading

Matte = experience.

If your goal is to build trust and feel premium, Matte is the clear winner.

5. The Psychology Behind Gloss vs Matte

Here’s something most people don’t know:

Gloss = Energy + Excitement

Promotions, events, offers, products, images.

Matte = Trust + Quality

Brand identity, professionalism, long-term impression.

They don’t compete.
They simply tell different stories.

6. Think About How Customers Will Interact With It

Outdoor or fast-moving environments → Gloss

Because bright colour = instant visibility.

Indoor or professional environments → Matte

Because matte is easier to read, softer, and calmer.

Hands-on interactions → Matte or Silk

Because fingerprints show less and texture matters.

7. The Best of Both Worlds: Silk/Satin Finish

If Gloss is too shiny and Matte is too soft, there’s a third option:

Silk/Satin

A balanced, smooth finish with a subtle sheen.

It’s Coast Print’s most popular choice for:

• Brochures
• Menus
• Catalogues

8. Want the Perfect Recommendation?

Just upload your design or send a screenshot.
Coast Print can instantly tell you whether Gloss or Matte will deliver the best result — based on colour density, layout, text size and usage environment.

Get Free Paper Advice From Coast Print

FAQ

1. Which is better for photos?

Gloss — it makes colours brighter and images sharper.

2. Which is better for text?

Matte — it reduces glare and improves readability.

3. Which is more premium?

Matte feels more luxurious, especially for business cards and menus.

4. Does gloss show fingerprints?

Yes. Matte and silk show fewer marks.

5. What paper is best for menus?

Matte or Silk for indoor dining; Synthetic for waterproof durability.

6. Can Coast Print help me choose?

Absolutely — Coast Print offers free file checks and paper recommendations.

Conclusion – The Right Paper Creates the Right Impression

Whether you choose Gloss for its boldness or Matte for its elegance…
your paper finish shapes how customers feel about your brand.

Gloss attracts.
Matte persuades.
Both tell powerful stories.

At Coast Print, we help you choose the finish that transforms your design into an experience — something customers can see, touch, and remember.

Start your next print project with Coast Print:

• Flyers
• Brochures
• Business Cards
• Menus
• Posters & Banners