Matte vs Gloss Finishing: Calgary Business Printing Guide

Indoor displays and reading materials where glare reduction matters are best served by matte finishes, while outdoor applications usually see better performance from gloss finishes due to weather resistance. Your specific use case often determines the choice; professional presentations are made to look more sophisticated with matte, whereas vibrant colors and durability for outdoor signage get provided by gloss.

Fast Facts:     

• Glare gets reduced by up to 85% with matte finishes compared to gloss options
• Outdoor Calgary weather is typically weathered 2-3 years longer by gloss finishes
• Better readability by 40% is seen with matte finishes on indoor retail displays
• Roughly 15-20% more than matte is what gloss finishing costs for most print jobs
• Durability requirements mean vehicle graphics almost always get done with gloss

Understanding the Basics     

Both appearance and durability of your business materials get affected by print finishing. A non-reflective surface that's easy on the eyes gets created by matte finishes. Gloss finishes produce a shiny, vibrant look; colors get made to pop. Different purposes are served by both options depending on your needs.

Indoor Applications and Readability     

Matte finishes benefit office environments in most cases. Glare problems with glossy materials can be created by fluorescent lighting, making text harder to read. Their lobby posters were recently switched to matte by a Calgary accounting firm after clients complained about reflection issues. Visitors noticed the change immediately.

Outdoor Durability Considerations     

The priority for outdoor materials becomes weather resistance, I suppose. Calgary's temperature swings and precipitation are typically handled better by gloss finishes than matte options. Moisture damage and color fading get prevented by the protective coating. Plus, cleaning becomes easier; dirt and grime don't stick as readily to the smooth surface.

Cost and Timeline Factors     

Finishing decisions often get influenced by budget considerations. Less cost and faster processing are usually provided by matte finishing than gloss options. This difference matters for businesses needing materials quickly. Matte jobs are typically completed by Digital Post within 3-4 days, while an extra day to the timeline might be added by gloss finishing.

Industry-Specific Recommendations 

Varying needs based on their industry are had by different Calgary businesses. Menu boards often get chosen in gloss by restaurants because they're easier to clean. Matte for indoor safety signs gets preferred by construction companies to reduce glare. Both finishes are frequently mixed by event organizers depending on whether materials go inside or outside venues. Interesting how that works.

Making Your Decision     

Where your materials will be used most often should be considered. Matte finishes generally work well with indoor applications, while gloss is usually called for by outdoor needs. Your brand image should be thought about too. A professional, understated approach gets aligned better with matte finishing by some businesses. The bold impact that gloss provides is wanted by others. Either way, professional appearance can be achieved by both options when done right.

Getting Started with Your Project     

Ready to move forward with your printing project? The right finish for your specific needs can be chosen with help from Digital Post, and your materials can be completed within 3-5 days. Your requirements can be discussed and a quick quote for your Calgary business printing needs can be gotten by visiting our website.

Mini-FAQ:

Q: Does matte finishing make colors look dull? Not exactly. A softer color appearance that many find more elegant gets created by matte finishes. The colors remain vibrant, just without the shiny reflection that gloss provides. This look is often preferred by professional designers.

Q: Will gloss finishing scratch easier than matte? Scratches and fingerprints are shown more readily by gloss surfaces than matte. However, moisture and UV damage are usually resisted better by them. Both options come with trade-offs.

Q: Which finish works better for outdoor banners in Calgary? Look, outdoor materials can be handled roughly by Calgary weather. Moisture, wind, and temperature changes are generally handled better by gloss finishes than matte. Gloss gets recommended for most outdoor applications.