What is Matte Paper? A Professional's Guide to the Difference Between Matte Paper and Glossy Paper, and Recommended Papers for Different Projects
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PHOTOPRI（フォトプリ）
プロ品質の写真プリントサービス
「PHOTOPRI（フォトプリ）」は、写真展クオリティのプリントを提供する専門店です。一枚一枚の色を丁寧に調整し、30種類以上の用紙から最適なものを提案。あなたの作品が持つ魅力を最大限に引き出すお手伝いをします。大切な作品を、最高の形で残しませんか？
What is Matte Paper? A Professional's Guide to the Difference Between Matte Paper and Glossy Paper, and Recommended Papers for Different Projects
When printing a work, the first hurdle many people face is choosing the right paper. Should I choose matte paper or glossy paper? While you may have a vague idea that matte paper has a more subdued feel, many people are unsure of its true appeal or whether it is truly suitable for their work.
Choosing the right paper is a crucial creative process that determines the final impression of your work. At PHOTOPRI, we work with many professional creators on a daily basis, and we have witnessed the power and potential of each piece of paper.
This article doesn't just explain matte paper, but also provides a thorough comparison of its characteristics with glossy paper, as well as recommended papers for different genres of work such as photography and illustrations, all from the perspective of a printing professional, to help you choose the perfect piece.
First, let's find out! What are the basic characteristics of matte paper?
Matte paper, as the name suggests, is a general term for paper with a matte texture. The surface coating reduces gloss and reduces light reflection, allowing you to carefully view your artwork from any angle.
Main benefits of matte paper
- Calm atmosphere: The lack of shine gives it a moist, deep, artistic finish.
- Easy to view: You don't have to worry about the reflection of the light, so you can focus on the artwork itself. Particularly suitable for use in exhibition halls.
- Fingerprint-resistant: The smooth surface means fingerprints and dirt are less noticeable than on glossy paper, which is a nice feature.
- Soft color expression: The ink settles into the paper, so color contrast is reduced and it is good at expressing soft, gentle colors.
In short, matte paper is...
It can be said to be the perfect "paper for appreciation" when you want to quietly and deeply convey the content of your work, and when you want the viewer to fully immerse themselves in the artwork's worldview.
[Comprehensive Comparison] Matte Paper vs. Glossy Paper: Which is Best for Your Project?
To better understand the appeal of matte paper, let's compare it with its opposite, glossy paper. Neither is better or worse, but rather, it's important to choose one that suits the characteristics of your work and the image you want to convey.
| Comparison items | Matte paper | glossy paper |
|---|---|---|
| Surface texture | Moist and smooth to the touch | Smooth and smooth |
| Light reflection | Low (reduces reflections) | Many (reflects light and shines) |
| Sharpness | A soft and calm impression | Clear, sharp impression |
| Vividness of color | Deep, calm color | High saturation and vivid colors |
| Fingerprint resistance | Hard to stick and hard to notice | Easy to attach and easy to see |
| Recommended Works | Portraits, black and white photography, illustrations, classic landscapes, artworks | Commemorative photos, snapshots, vivid landscapes, posters, and other works that need to look sharp |
As you can see from this comparison, glossy paper tends to be chosen if you want to vividly preserve the emotion of a photograph as a "record," while matte paper tends to be chosen if you want to deeply express a photograph or illustration as a "work of art."
How to choose the best matte paper for your project!
PHOTOPRI offers a wide range of matte papers, from general matte papers to the highest quality fine art papers loved by artists around the world. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect paper for your work.
[Matte paper recommended for photographic works]
When it comes to photography, especially when you want to express it as fine art, the texture and long-term preservation properties of the paper are important.
-
Hahnemuhle Photo Rag
This 100% cotton matte fine art paper is a true example of this. Its soft texture and surprisingly rich tonal expression will elevate your work, from black-and-white photography to portraits. -
EPSON Velvet Fine Art Paper
As the name suggests, it features a smooth, velvet-like surface. It has a luxurious finish and is recommended for photo exhibitions where you want your work to stand out from the crowd.
[Matte paper recommended for illustration works]
The ink flow and the base color of the paper are key to reproducing the delicate touch and unique color of the illustrations.
-
EPSON MC Art Paper
Its natural and calm texture makes it ideal for expressing soft illustrations like those drawn with watercolors or colored pencils. It is also cost-effective and popular for creating goods. -
PICTRAN local newspaper
It has a unique texture similar to that of washi paper, and its ink color is excellent. It is perfect for Japanese-style illustrations and works that require a unique texture.
[I want to try this versatile matte paper first!]
-
EPSON PX Premium Matte Paper
It has clear, sharp reproduction and the calmness of matte paper. It is a versatile paper that can be used for a wide range of purposes, from photographs to illustrations, catalogs, and portfolios.
If you're unsure, try it out first. How to choose the right paper without making a mistake
It's natural to feel like, "I've read the description, but I still can't decide..." The quickest way to find the perfect paper for your project is to actually see it with your own eyes and touch it with your own hands.
PHOTOPRI offers two services for this purpose.
- All Paper Samples : You can check the texture of all 23 types of paper directly at your fingertips. By holding them up to the light or touching them with your hands, you can clearly see the differences that cannot be seen from catalog specifications alone. *The number of papers may vary depending on the time of year.
- Trial Print : We will print your own design data in A5 size on the paper of your choice and deliver it to you. This is the most reliable way to check the compatibility with your own design before the actual print.
Please take advantage of these services to avoid regretting your purchase of expensive fine art paper or large-format prints.
First, experience the quality with a trial print
PHOTOPRI's print quality brings out the best in matte paper
Even if you choose the best paper, it's meaningless without the printing technology to make the most of it. PHOTOPRI has the technology and philosophy to maximize the delicate expressive power of matte paper.
Why are PHOTOPRI prints different?
This is because we do not use the "CMYK conversion" that many printing companies perform, but instead focus on "RGB direct printing," which reproduces the rich colors contained in digital data as they are.
Matte paper, in particular, can have its colors easily washed out (appear dull) by CMYK conversion. However, our RGB printing allows you to reproduce on paper the delicate hues you adjust on your monitor and the vivid colors photographed in the wide color gamut of Adobe RGB without losing them.
Furthermore, our ultra-high resolution printing at 2880 dpi , several times higher than standard prints, allows us to capture both the subtle texture of the matte paper and the details of the artwork. This means that you can see more than just a print; you can even feel the breath of the artwork.
Our technical expertise is explained in detail on our service introduction page .
Summary: Mastering matte paper will take your artwork to new heights
Matte paper is not just a matte paper. It is a profound medium of expression that has the power to convey the worldview of a work deeply, quietly, and richly.
- Reduces light reflection, allowing you to concentrate on viewing the artwork
- Creates a calm, artistic atmosphere
- There is an ideal photo or illustration for each purpose.
Use this article to help you find the perfect matte paper for your work, and see for yourself the print quality of PHOTOPRI, which maximizes its potential.
View our recommended matte paper lineup
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この記事を書いた人
PHOTOPRI（フォトプリ）
プロ品質の写真プリントサービス
「PHOTOPRI（フォトプリ）」は、写真展クオリティのプリントを提供する専門店です。一枚一枚の色を丁寧に調整し、30種類以上の用紙から最適なものを提案。あなたの作品が持つ魅力を最大限に引き出すお手伝いをします。大切な作品を、最高の形で残しませんか？
