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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> Glossy or Matte and why?
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Showing posts 1 - 25 of 32, (reverse)
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 07/27/2004 02:32:33 PM · #1
Just wondering why people choose one over the other.
 07/27/2004 02:36:20 PM · #2
Honestly, I'm not to fond of either. All my photo's are printed on luster papers by a local photoshop.
 07/27/2004 02:37:09 PM · #3
I choose matte for most printing as I like how images are portrayed. However, it I were printing an image that is of something with a lot of sheen to it I would probably choose glossy to bring out that aspect of the image.
 07/27/2004 02:40:50 PM · #4
Not that it's real applicable here but I used to do glossy prints before I had a transparency scanner to scan negs. Glossy scans better than matte or luster because it lacks virtually any texture.
 07/27/2004 02:52:49 PM · #5
I choose gloss simply because I like it :-)

But I mount pictures (i.e. have them glued to a board) for framing and then all the tiny unevenness in the board and the glue cause pimples on the print. Using matte makes these less obvious. So matte it is. Although a matte glass in the frame also hides the pimples.
 07/27/2004 02:53:36 PM · #6
I only discovered Luster this past year. I have switched almost all of my printing to luster paper. It has much of the shine of glossy without showing fingerprints. And it can be used in many situations where matte makes more sense, but gives a brighter image.
07/27/2004 02:54:34 PM · #7
I pick the one that suits whatever I'm printing.

I've had images printed directly on to:

glossy, lustre, matte and coated and uncoated watercolour papers of a variety of weights, canvas & glass.

It is very much dependant on what the image is and particularly how the texture of the output media enhances the subject matter. In particular I had fun experiementing with the sample packs from //www.inkjetart.com

Message edited by author 2004-07-27 15:00:09.
 07/27/2004 02:57:32 PM · #8
I like the glossy for black and whites. I like matte finished though for anything color...although my personal favorite is Konica's Silk Paper...it has a luster finish to it. If anyone knows where I can find it besides Ritz Camera let me know.
 07/27/2004 02:58:11 PM · #9
It depends on the picture and what I am going to do with it....

For instance, if I wanted to frame a photo in a glass from, I would probably choose matte b/c it looks better behind glass to me. If i had a frame with no glass, I might choose glossy if the picture calls for it.

I get matte about 80% of the time...but it really depends on the picture, artist, and what you are going to do with it.

-cw
 07/27/2004 03:02:36 PM · #10
I like matte the best, just like the way it makes the prints look.
 07/27/2004 03:04:30 PM · #11
I use matte now because semi-gloss or pearl is not available as an option to me. I don't like 'gloss' because of all the reflections and I hate to see fingerprints on them. Some images I think look better on glossy paper but then again I am not that picky.
 07/27/2004 03:22:38 PM · #12
Question, what is the difference between Metallic and Lustre/Glossy paper?
 07/27/2004 03:35:38 PM · #13
Kinda looks like I opened a whole can-o-worms here!:D
 07/27/2004 04:22:58 PM · #14
Ilford Galerie Classic Pearl. Seems to be a compromise between luster and matte. Love the stuff
 05/10/2005 11:31:53 AM · #15
Feedback please? I'm going to have some photos displayed at an exhibit coming up next month and I'm getting ready to order the prints for it soon. The rules for the exhibit are the photos have to be dry mounted, no frames or coverings.

How do you decide what photo finish to use in this scenario? Glossy or Matte? I'm using DPCPrints.

Thanks.
Barry
 05/10/2005 11:38:38 AM · #16
I prefer matte or semi-gloss over gloss because it's harder to get finger prints on those surfaces, and tiny scratches aren't visible. Gloss collects oils and scratches much easier. The only time i ever use gloss is if it's going straight to the framer.
 05/10/2005 11:45:46 AM · #17
What about glare or lighting? My first instinct is to go with glossy because that's what I'm more familiar with, but the matte finish may be more forgiving of various lighting conditions - yes/no?

Eric, thanks for the comment on fingerprints...could be exposed to the touchy-feely types (kids) for this event. ;^) Definitely a consideration.
 05/10/2005 11:47:15 AM · #18
I prefer matte. Again, mainly because of the fingerprint issue. Primarily though because I just like the way matte prints look.
 05/10/2005 03:34:13 PM · #19
Any more feedback on this - please? What type of print would/do you use for an exhibit? Glossy or Matte?

Thanks.
 05/10/2005 07:44:54 PM · #20
One more shot for the nightcrowd...?
 05/10/2005 08:10:22 PM · #21
I agree with Gordon.

The paper you choose should suit the print. I can't use a guideline like 'everything color on glossy and everything b/w on matte.' I actually prefer matte papers for all printing in most cases. I have experimented heavily with Epson's Enhanced Matte and their Radiant White Watercolor Paper and I like color and b/w output on both types. Since most of what I print is being framed, I avoid glossy paper. The type of glass you put a photo behind also plays a role in the decision. I don't know this variable in most cases though. Putting glass over an image changes the viewing of the photo significantly in some cases. The normal non-glare glass can kill contrast quite a bit. I won't ramble about all the details....

In a nutshell, there is no 'works every time' recipe... It is fun to experiment though.
 05/10/2005 09:10:33 PM · #22
Thanks John - Most helpful as always! I have limited experience with prints and framing thus far. Right now I'm leaning towards the matte finish. For this exhibit there will not be any glass or frames, just a dry mount (now I have to figure that part out too!). ;^) Did I mention this is my first time? He-he.
 05/10/2005 09:24:05 PM · #23
Originally posted by glad2badad:
Thanks John - Most helpful as always! I have limited experience with prints and framing thus far. Right now I'm leaning towards the matte finish. For this exhibit there will not be any glass or frames, just a dry mount (now I have to figure that part out too!). ;^) Did I mention this is my first time? He-he.


Unfortunately, dry mounting a photo is not a good idea, but if they require it, then u have no choice. Take it to a framing shop and let them do it for you.
05/10/2005 09:26:14 PM · #24
BTW- a true matte finish like epson's papers should not be dry mounted. The surface will get scarred in the process most likely.
 05/10/2005 09:31:27 PM · #25
Originally posted by jmsetzler:
BTW- a true matte finish like epson's papers should not be dry mounted. The surface will get scarred in the process most likely.


I've had both luster and matte paper foam core mounted and plaque mounted without problems.
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