The look, texture and feel of the paper stock used in all your print jobs is called the finish. As paper surfaces all feel different, choosing the right finish can make all the difference to the success of your print collateral.

Uncoated, gloss and matte are all types of finishes and finding the one that works for your printed materials can make all the difference to the impression you make on your target market. Let’s take a closer look at the differences to help your business get the right finish every time.

Uncoated, Gloss & Matte Paper Finishes

Uncoated

Uncoated paper is just as it sounds i.e. paper without any extra finish or coating. It feels slightly smoother than the standard paper you use in your photocopier. It is perfect for print jobs that include lots of text as without a coating there is no glare on the surface. 

Gloss

As the name suggests, this is a finish (or coating) that gives lots of shine making it perfect for full colour images. The glossy, smooth paper finish is similar in texture to a glossy magazine. It can give a professional look to business marketing collateral and any other kind of print job where you want to show off colour. Note: if you really want colour to pop on your print jobs then UV gloss coating really enhances colour contrast and provides a great shiny finish. 

Matte

On the other hand, a matte finish provides a light coating that still enhances visual designs but without much glare. While matte coated paper is slightly rougher to feel, it gives a smoother presentation than if you were using an uncoated paper finish and is much softer in appearance than a gloss coating. A matte paper finish is ideal if using photos in your print jobs.

For quality printing and advice on the right paper finish, speak to the team at your local Kwik Kopy today.