Photo paper - matt or gloss?

[Kirky]

Are there any print quality benefits from using either matt or glossy photo paper when printing? Sorry if this has been asked before

 

[Craikeybaby]

Gloss is OK if you just want a print to look at, matte is better if it is going to be framed.

 

[whiteflyer]

There is a site on the web that tells you all about the MANY diffrent tyes of paper ( I have forgot where but someone will know)

Glossy Paper

* shiny look

* reflects light well

* vibrant rich colors

* appealing to the eye

* the standard finish we are now used to seeing

* can be hard to view under strong light sources

* fingerprints and dirt can be a problem


Non-Glossy (Matte) Paper

* does not reflect light

* black and white prints may look better with this finish

* easy to view under all light conditions

* does not attract fingerprints or dirt

* colors are dull looking

* do not appear to be high quality prints

* photo paper looks and feels like ordinary stock paper



Semi-Gloss (Satin Finish) Paper

* less shiny surface

* reflects less light

* vibrant rich colors

* appealing to the eye

* easier to view under strong light

* fingerprints and dust less of a problem

 

[Carl V]

This site tells you a little about the differences:

http://www.wavelengthstudios.com/photo/corrections/paper_types.htm

Ultimately, it's down to personal choice really.

 

[Forbiddenbiker]

I go for silk (like semi above I think) on my larger prints, although my customers often order gloss, especially the smaller sizes ...people like shiny bright things don't they!

 

[mrtoad]

gloss shows detail better...if you want detail
matt wont reflect but you can always use non reflective glass in a frame

i use gloss because my prints are small 6x4 and go into a cheapy album which kills any photographic detail

 

[POAH]

Are there any print quality benefits from using either matt or glossy photo paper when printing? Sorry if this has been asked before

gloss is sharper, has better colour saturation and better dmax. matt was used because it had better fade resistance with the early dyes in inkjets. Full gloss will glare significantly more behind glass than matt but if you use a semi gloss, pearl, satin type paper its fine.

 

[MartynK]

It's a personal choice, unless you're shooting for a client. I loathe gloss, or even a slightly shiny finish, and prefer matt for everything.

 

[ditchdigger]

glossy every time deep deep blacks