When it comes to printed marketing materials, the look and feel of your final product matter just as much as the design itself. One of the most important decisions you’ll make during the printing process is choosing between a matte or glossy finish. Whether you’re printing business cards, postcards, EDDM postcards, or presentation folders, understanding the difference between matte and glossy can help you make a stronger impression—and get better results.
This guide will walk you through the pros and cons of each finish, show you how they apply to specific products, and help you decide which option is best for your brand, audience, and goals.
What’s the Difference Between Matte and Glossy?
At a glance, the difference between matte and glossy is all about how light interacts with the paper:
Glossy finishes are smooth and shiny. They reflect light and make colors look more vibrant. They’re ideal when you want images to pop and look bold.
Matte finishes are flat and non-reflective. They offer a softer, more subtle appearance that feels elegant and professional.
But there’s more to this decision than just looks. The finish you choose can also affect readability, texture, durability, and even the emotional tone of your materials.
Let’s dive deeper.
Glossy vs. Matte Business Cards
Your business card is often your first impression. It’s a small piece of paper with a big job—introduce your brand, showcase your professionalism, and encourage potential clients or partners to take action.
At Printfever, our best-selling Business Cards are available in both matte and glossy finishes, giving you the flexibility to match your design and tone to your audience.
Glossy Business Cards
Glossy business cards are sleek and eye-catching. They bring out bright colors, sharp contrast, and detailed images. The high-shine surface gives your card a polished look, making it great for brands that want to appear bold, modern, or creative.
Best for:
Creative industries (photography, fashion, design)
Colorful logos and photo-heavy designs
Networking events where you want to stand out
Pros:
Vibrant color reproduction
Glossy coating protects against moisture and wear
Smooth texture feels premium in hand
Cons:
Harder to write on
Glare can make text harder to read under certain lighting
Matte Business Cards
Matte business cards have a smooth, velvety feel and a non-reflective surface that makes them easier to read. They convey a more subtle and sophisticated tone, which works well for more traditional or professional businesses.
Best for:
Law firms, accountants, and consultants
Minimalist designs or high-contrast text
Cards that require handwritten notes
Pros:
Clean, soft appearance
Easier to read and write on
Elegant and professional aesthetic
Cons:
Colors may appear slightly muted
Slightly more prone to smudges
💡 Pro Tip: Want a sophisticated card with added flair? Consider upgrading to Metallic Foil Business Cards to combine a matte base with shiny foil accents.
📦 Order your business cards today in either finish at Printfever.com, or request a quote for a custom order.
Matte vs. Glossy Postcards
Postcards are a powerful and affordable tool for marketing, especially when you need to reach customers by mail. Whether you’re promoting an event, advertising a sale, or introducing your services, the finish you choose will play a big role in how your message is received.
At Printfever, all our Postcards are available in both matte and glossy finishes, so you can match your printing style to your marketing strategy.
Glossy Postcards
Glossy postcards are designed to grab attention—perfect for mailboxes and bulletin boards. Their reflective finish enhances photos, graphics, and vibrant colors.
Best for:
Retail promotions and flash sales
Real estate listings with photos
Restaurant menus or image-heavy campaigns
Pros:
High visual impact
Smudge-resistant coating
Affordable and professional-looking
Cons:
Difficult to write on
Glare may reduce readability in direct light
Matte Postcards
Matte postcards offer a more refined and softer presentation. They’re easy to write on, which makes them especially useful when you want to personalize each postcard or include handwritten notes.
Best for:
Thank-you cards or appointment reminders
Minimalist designs with strong typography
High-end service businesses
Pros:
Writable surface
Classy, non-glare appearance
Subtle, elegant tone
Cons:
Slightly less vibrant color
Less protection against smudges
📮 Need postcards for your next campaign? Browse our 4×6 postcards or contact us to talk about custom sizes and quantities.
Glossy vs. Matte EDDM Postcards
Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) is one of the most cost-effective ways to promote a business to a local audience. If you’re using EDDM, your design and finish must work together to deliver your message clearly and memorably.
At Printfever, our EDDM Postcards are printed with precision and available in both finishes.
Glossy EDDM Postcards
If you want to stop someone mid-scroll in their stack of mail, a glossy EDDM postcard can be the way to go. It makes bright images and bold headlines jump off the page.
Best for:
Real estate listings
Special offers with colorful visuals
Grand openings, sales, and announcements
Pros:
Instant visual appeal
Enhanced photo quality
Professional presentation
Cons:
Glare might make smaller text harder to read
Hard to write on if you need to add a personal touch
Matte EDDM Postcards
Matte EDDM postcards offer a cleaner and more premium look. They’re more tactile and can add a personal feel to a mass mailing campaign.
Best for:
Service-based businesses like salons, clinics, or law offices
Messages that prioritize clarity and readability
Designs with lots of text
Pros:
Easy to write on for custom messages
More subtle, premium vibe
Less glare in sunlight or under lamps
Cons:
Slightly less bold color payoff
May smudge if exposed to moisture
📢 Launch your next campaign with confidence. Explore our EDDM Postcards or request a custom quote tailored to your local marketing goals.
Matte vs. Glossy Presentation Folders
Presentation folders don’t just hold your materials—they introduce your brand before a single page is read. From client meetings to trade shows, your folder finish sets the tone.
At Printfever, our high-quality Presentation Folders are available in both matte and glossy options.
Glossy Presentation Folders
With their shiny surface and vibrant color output, glossy folders make a bold impression. They’re ideal when you want to present visuals or showcase branding in full color.
Best for:
Product pitches and sales kits
Events or branded portfolios
Marketing packets with color graphics
Pros:
Bold, polished look
Great for photo-heavy or colorful designs
Wipes clean easily
Cons:
May show fingerprints
Glare can be distracting
Matte Presentation Folders
Matte folders provide a refined and sophisticated first impression. Their non-reflective surface makes them easier to read and hold, especially in bright office settings.
Best for:
Legal or financial documents
Professional service presentations
Minimalist or luxury brands
Pros:
Smooth, velvety finish
No glare in office lighting
Premium feel
Cons:
Less vibrant color
Slightly more prone to scuffing
🗂️ Ready to impress with your next presentation? Start your order for Presentation Folders today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is matte or glossy better for business cards?
It depends on your brand and industry. Glossy is great for bold visuals; matte is more understated and professional.
Can I write on glossy finishes?
Not easily. Matte finishes are more writable and better for appointment cards or notes.
Is glossy or matte more durable?
Glossy finishes are more resistant to moisture and fingerprints. Matte can be more prone to smudging but offers better readability.
Can I get samples before ordering?
Yes! Contact us to request samples of our matte and glossy finishes.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?
When it comes to the debate of matte vs. glossy, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your choice should depend on your brand personality, the content of your design, and how your audience will interact with the printed piece.
For bold, eye-catching visuals and high saturation, glossy is your best bet. For a more refined, professional, and writable surface, matte is the winner.
✅ Want help deciding? Our team at Printfever is here to help. Whether you’re ordering business cards, postcards, EDDM mailers, or presentation folders, we’ll help you select the finish that works best for your goals.
👉 Request a quote, contact us, or place your order online today—and make your next print project shine, whether it’s matte or glossy.
