What is the difference between matte and glossy postcards?
Postcards were first used in the late 19th century as an easy and quick way for people who are far apart to communicate. Nowadays, businesses and professionals also use them for commercial purposes because of their effectiveness in delivering an impactful and memorable message.
Today’s postcards are either printed on matte or glossy cardstock. The difference between these two finish options is the “shininess” of their surface.
A matte finish has a flatter, more muted appearance, while a glossy one reflects more shine that colors appear more vibrant.
In this article, we’ll look into the differences between matte and glossy postcards, focusing on their visual appearance, usability, writability, and durability. The goal is to help you decide which one suits your needs.
Matte Postcards
In most lighting conditions, postcards with a matte finish look flat because of their non-reflective, light-absorbing surface. Thus, they won’t interfere with readability, which is important for text-laden prints.
Matte postcards also create a stronger contrast between text and images and offer a writable surface.
Benefits:
- They absorb ink readily, leading to smudge-free text, especially when using ballpoint pens.
- The lack of glare or shine makes it easy to read text in different lighting conditions.
- A matte finish is more resistant to fingerprints and smudges than a glossy finish.
Drawbacks:
- Due to fewer coatings, they are more prone to bending, scratches, creases, and general wear from handling.
- A matte finish makes the colors appear flat and muted. This aesthetic effect might be an issue if you want your design to appear lively and intense.
Glossy Postcards
Glossy postcards have a shiny, smooth, and reflective surface, thus enhancing color vibrancy, color contrast, and visual impact. They are an excellent choice if you want your photos or intricate designs to appear crisp and sharp.
Benefits:
- The glossy finish makes the colors appear more vivid and brighter, enhancing the visual impact of images.
- The extra coatings mean added durability and protection against dirt, moisture, and scratches.
Drawbacks:
- The high sheen results in glare, especially under bright lights or direct sunlight, making it hard to read text.
- They are not ideal for writing because ink may smear or take longer to dry (especially with gel pens).
Main Differences Between Matte and Glossy Postcards
| Features | Matte Postcards | Glossy Postcards |
|---|---|---|
| Visual appearance | Subdued and flat appearance | Shiny and vivid colors |
| Durability | More resistant to fingerprints and smudges | More resistant to moisture, folding, and tears |
| Readability | Less glare means better readability, making them ideal for text-heavy prints | The glare or shine makes it hard to read text |
| Writability | Smooth but non-slippery surface, making it easy to write on | Ink takes longer to dry and may smear |
| Maintenance | Requires less upkeep, stays cleaner for longer | Prone to fingerprints and smudges |
| Ideal for | Text-heavy prints | Prints that highlight visual elements like images and colors |
Durability and Maintenance
Thanks to the extra coating, glossy postcards offer better protection against moisture, scratches, fading, and tears than matte postcards.
On the other hand, matte postcards are more resistant to fingerprints and smudges, so they require less frequent cleaning than the glossy type.
Visual Appearance
Matte and glossy finishes offer distinctly different aesthetics. Matte postcards create a more subdued, softer appearance because their slightly textured surface absorbs light. On the other hand, glossy postcards reflect light, which intensifies color vibrancy and contrast.
Readability
For text-heavy prints, postcards with a matte finish are a better option because they offer excellent readability with less glare.
By contrast, glossy finishes create glare in bright light or direct sunlight, making text harder to read. This can be an issue if your postcard has a text-laden design.
Glossy postcards are best reserved for image-focused designs with minimal text.
Conclusion:
Matte and glossy finishes create different aesthetic effects on your printed design. The right choice depends on your preferred visual appearance and factors such as durability, writability, and readability.
NextDayFlyers print high-quality postcards that can serve a variety of purposes, ranging from marketing promotions and business announcements to personal communications and artistic expressions.