Gloss Vrs Matte

[MHD]

Only when there is not the option I always print Matte, when is Gloss a better option?

What are the pros and cons against the two media?

[LostDingo]

Gloss typically has a bit more of the "wow" factor as opposed to the matte finish. I have read in several areas that matte finish can be more colour accurate but I'm not so ceratin.

One advantage with larger prints in gloss is when you have framed you can use an anti glare glass effectively creating your matte look. When you use the anti glare glass on a matte finish print all appears "soft"

Much as with anything else is personal preference. I actually prefer to have my prints that are framed on KODAK Potra metallic paper which works well with landscapes, not preferred with potraiture

[stubbsy]

Interesting question Scott.

For me I always print colour on Gloss and B & W on Satin. I never use Matte

[MATT]

I prefer that "WOW" factor for colour using gloss. I feel they just look better.

I print B+W on matte and am yet to try satin.


my 2 cents

amtt

[MattC]

Very interesting question.

I always print colour on semigloss (full gloss does not do it for me here) and have not printed enough B&W to make a decision there. I am leaning towards high gloss paper, mainly for its contrast.

I think that there was at least one famous photographer (AA?) who printed B&W on high gloss paper.

[sirhc55]

Matte

[Dug]

It depends on the image for me.

A "Soft" image, fog, beauty, or the like, matte

hard edged, cars, product, Gloss.

I have also been working on digital prints on watercolour paper very soft but a great effect.

I am entering them into "Art" competitions as Ink on Paper

it is amazing the reactions you get this is not Art it is a photograph!!!

I just love arguing with stuck up, snooty officials.

[MattC]

Know what you mean. Photography is an art The argument is fairly simple.

[Dug]

try explaining that to painters!!!!!!

[BBJ]

All my photo sales i get done in matte, i like the look.

[MattC]

try explaining that to painters!!!!!!

Then those painters are not artists (just pretentious wannabes ), otherwise they would recognise all forms of art

[Matt. K]

Scott
A good question......and I have to say...as a trained visual artist......it depends on the image and what works for you. There is no answer to your question....but I offer you this advice...always have a selection of gloss and Matte papers on hand. Gloss can enforce a feeling of modern, hard edge, high tech, young, youthful sharp and sophisiticated. Matte can support a feeling of old leather, antique, subtle, soft, sultry, erotic, moody and timeless. Very small images or portraits will look best on matte paper. Very large images usually pop on gloss. Experiment. Try your very best images on both and give yourself a few weeks of looking to determine what works, Matte creeps up over time...gloss hits you between the eyes and makes your hair stand on end.
I love paper. I love choice. I love images.

[meicw]

I tend to use Ilford Smooth Pearl. Guess you would call that a semi-gloss.

Regards
Meicw

[cameraguy21773]

I use Ilford Smooth Pearl for everything. It's a "luster" or "satin" finish paper that has plenty of shine for me. High gloss papers do provide lots of WOW factor but I think that for most nature shots I have the look I like.

I am experimenting with some heavyweight matte paper and just bought a box of rough watercolor. I think both might be good for B&W or a nice arty look for botanical macros. We'll see.

[Digidegs]

Just my $0.02 worth.
I did a lot of large format digital printing. 1520MM wide by any length.
What works well is printing on gloss photopaper and if not framing but using as a poster is to cold laminate the print with a Sandtex laminate. There are various types of Sandtex, varying in finish. From satin to matte.
Great as it offers no reflection from any angle and colours look great.
If using a matte paper, results not as good as when laminating or framing, the gloss just comes alive and the laminate or satin or matte glass does the rest.

[JordanP]

Matte or Satin is my preference.

[robw25]

I tend to use Ilford Smooth Pearl. Guess you would call that a semi-gloss.

Regards
Meicw

yes i have been very impressed with the ilford smooth pearl, haven't tried matt

cheers rob