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Packaging is an experience, a message, and the customers’ first impression of your brand and product. It is not just a typical container to surround your product. However, all packaging details, from design to making, printing, and prototyping, matter; finishing has its own place among them. Many brands overlook it by considering it optional. However, let me tell you that choosing the right finish for your product packaging is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Matte and gloss are two of the most used and prominent finishing types. Both have their own strengths and weaknesses. However, the winner is the one who makes your product more visible and attractive on the shelf. 

This detailed guide is all about these two finishes. What is matte finding and gloss? What are their pros and cons, and tips for a brand to choose the right one for their product packaging? You will get all the necessary information about gloss vs matte from this article. 

What Are Matte and Gloss Finishes?

What is finishing? It is a final touch, adding perfectly built custom mushroom mylar bags by applying coatings to the printed surface. Glossy is used for shiny and reflective surfaces, and matte coating is for non-reflective and smooth surfaces.

  • Matte Finish – This finish is used to achieve a soft, subtle, and elegant look. It features minimal light reflection and is Ideal for sophistication and simplicity.
  • Glossy Finish – It has a shiny surface that reflects light. It offers a vibrant and sharp appearance, making it ideal for bright colors and eye-catching visuals.

Compare Both Finishes With Their Pros And Cons

Let’s try to compare both by pointing out their pros and cons to help you understand matte and gloss finishes better. Let’s start with matte.

Pros of Matte Finish:

  • Sophisticated Aesthetic
  • Minimal Glare
  • Smooth, Velvety Texture
  • Fingerprints Resistant

Cons of Matte Finish:

  • Subdued Colors
  • Less Durable
  • Higher Cost

Mostly, the finishing is chosen based on its ability to enhance and complement the vibrancy with elegance. Keep that thing in mind.

Pros of Glossy Finish:

  • Vibrant Colors
  • High Visual Impact
  • Protective Layer
  • Photographic Quality

Cons of Glossy Finish:

  • Glare Issues
  • Shows Imperfections
  • Too Flashy for Some Brands

Brands choose glossy or matte finishes to make a lasting impression on their customers.

Matte Vs Gloss: Which To Choose For Packaging

The matte vs glossy debate is not about proving one better, but it is about which one is better for your brand image, product nature, and audience approach. Here, we are going to offer you some considerations.

Criteria Matte Finish Glossy Finish
Brand Identity Premium, minimal, eco-conscious Bold, energetic, modern
Product Type Skincare, luxury goods, tech accessories Food items, toys, electronics
Color Palette Muted tones, pastel shades Bright, vibrant, high-contrast
Durability Needs Moderate (with added coating) High durability & moisture resistance
Retail Environment Boutique or niche stores High-traffic retail, supermarket shelves

Tips for Designers and Brands to choose the right finishing

The selection of matte paper vs glossy paper is not just about the elegance of your custom boxes. Product purpose and target audience preferences are also aligned with this process. Here, some of the key tips for designers and brands to choose the right one for your product.

Match Finish with Brand Personality

  • If you are a cosmetic or skincare brand that produces products with natural ingredients, then Matte is a good option for conveying the softness and authenticity.
  • Other the other hand, for a support drink brand, gloss finishing is better to emphasize the energy and color.

Test Your Design in Both Finishes

  • If you are unsure which to choose, then print the mockups in both finishes before proceeding with mass production. Compare both and analyse their market impacts.
  • The perfect example of testing design is a matte or gloss poster with a similar artwork look due to the light factor.

Consider Product Usage

  • The selection between glossy and matte photos or prints depends on the product usage. For take-away and handheld packaging, matte is perfect as it resists fingerprints.
  • For high-resolution imagery and showcasing the product’s sharpness, gloss finishing is the best option.

Think of Sustainability

  • Keep sustainability in mind. Some matte finishes are more sustainable than their glossy counterparts. So select on this basis after pairing with eco-friendly inks and materials.

Hybrid Options Work Too

  • To make the work more appropriate, combine both and go. Use matte for the surface and spot gloss to highlight the brand name, logos, and key designs.

A Trustworthy Packaging Partner Can Do This For You Perfectly

The Box Zilla is one of its kind, understanding the nature of all finishes, including matte and gloss effects. It not only produces the most sophisticated custom mailer boxes at wholesale rates but also enhances their functionality using matte and gloss finishings. To serve you better, the company offers a range of packaging services, including free shipping, 24/7 customer support, a minimum order requirement, 30% discount offers, and more. It’s a small effort to provide you with the most aesthetically pleasing and bold packaging solutions. By utilizing a minimal portion of your packaging budget. 

Final Thoughts

Choosing the glossy or matte finish for your product packaging is not all about looks; rather, it is a strategic choice that impacts the brand marketing and customer perception of your brand. If you want to choose the right one between matte vs glossy prints, lossy or matte photos, and matte vs glossy, you have to go through this guide to understand the functional and emotional aspects of both.

To conclude,

  • Opt for a matte finish for subtle, luxurious, and text-friendly designs.
  • Go with gloss for vibrant, bold, and image-heavy packaging.

Your product deserves packaging that not only protects it but also communicates to your customers on your behalf through its enriched texture. Among both matte vs glossy, there is nothing like bad finishing, but the best for you, according to your product.

Approach us if you want to add glamour to your packaging and enhance its functionality using matte and gloss finishes.

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Marilyn Cox

Hello, I'm Marilyn Cox, a seasoned packaging consultant and designer. With a professional journey spanning over four years, I've evolved from a budding designer to a recognized expert in the field. Currently holding the position of Packaging Consultant, I've honed my skills in creating not just visually stunning packaging but also solutions that align with strategic business goals.

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