Matte vs Glossy Business Cards: Which Is Better?

What's the difference between matte and glossy business cards? If you plan to design and print a professional card, you should ask questions like this. There are dozens of small, essential choices when creating and printing cards. They include card color, font, paper type, icon type, etc.

Business cards printing remains a critical branding and marketing asset at your disposal. Unfortunately, lousy card design decisions will only leave you with a card that looks unprofessional, misaligns with your company’s values, and is ineffective. Today, we'd focus exclusively on two common finish types: glossy vs matte business cards. What finish type wins between matte vs glossy business cards? By the end of this post, you'd not only know their differences; you'd understand what choice suits you between glossy or matte business cards. If you’re excited, read on.

6 Things to Consider when Choosing Between Matte vs Glossy Business Cards

Should business cards be matte or glossy? You can make a compelling case for either finish, as both matte business cards and gloss business cards offer unique attributes. We’ve made a detailed comparison of 6 characteristics shared by these business card designs.

1. Manufacturing

Characteristically, matte business cards are soft to touch, feel smooth, and don't reflect light. Even though you apply the same chemical coating as you would for glossy paper, matte finishes don't glow like their polished counterparts. The coating is only enough to give the card a smooth and soft texture.

On the other hand, the glossy paper finish is highly reflective and feels ultra-smooth to touch. Moreover, because of the extra coating on the paper for this look, glossy cards fractionally weigh more than their less shiny mate.

2. Durability

What is more durable between the matte finish and glossy finish? The glossy finish is more durable. The extra layer of chemical coating accounts for the durability of glossy cards. They retain their shape for longer and are resistant to dust and moisture.

Matte-coated cards are more durable than the standard uncoated business cards, but they are not as durable as glossy cards. Matte cards bend on the edges when mishandled and damage when in contact with moisture.

If your business cards must survive rough usage, glossy cards are better for you.

 

3. Color

Glossy paper is best if you are keen on crisp-looking, high-quality images, and logos. A gloss laminated business card can retain a broad spectrum of colors, making it easy to note the contrast on glossy cards. This attribute allows the colors on glossy cards to pop, appearing vibrant and bright. If you need a business card design that showcases fine examples of contrast while rendering high-quality images and logos correctly, the glossy card fits the bill perfectly. Glossy prints may work best for photography agencies and related creative agencies that are pixel conscious. 

On the other hand, matte cards are ideal for more subtle designs. If your business cards feature embossing or a foil stamp, you are practically restricted to the matte option since the glossy alternative will not suit this design. Additionally, a matte business card finish is more eco-friendly, with the paper being 100% recyclable. Therefore, if nature friendliness is your brand's priority, matte cards have the nod. However, if your design has too many details, be cautious with matte business cards as they absorb more ink, potentially leading to dull, grainy images.

4. Readability in Matte Vs Glossy

Due to the absence of glare, the printed text on matte cards is better readable. Additionally, matte finish business cards allow you to scribble brief notes on the white spaces. Adding short messages can help give specific prospects your personal phone number.

Conversely, glossy cards are more challenging to read, especially under sunlight. In addition, clients may have to hold up the business cards at certain angles to read the text in a well-lit environment. Lastly, it's practically impossible to write on glossy cards, as the ink tends to smudge or wipe off easily on polished surfaces. Additionally, such a write-up will be challenging to read in the first place. But this doesn't necessarily register as a disadvantage. On the contrary, the inability to write on glossy cards means your card will look impeccable for longer.

5. Aesthetics

Aesthetically, matte business cards have the edge due to their smooth finish. Their lack of glare makes them convenient to look at under any condition, and you won't have to worry about leaving unsightly fingerprint marks after handling them. These compliments do not dismiss gloss business cards, which remain very effective at grabbing attention, compensating for what they lack in aesthetics.

6. Cost

The preference for matte or glossy business cards often hinges on personal preference and cost for many individuals. Thankfully, both types can be produced with quality printing at comparable prices for equivalent thickness and weight. However, gloss business cards typically trend slightly higher due to the extra surface preparation required to apply the glossy look.

Which is more Professional, Matte or Glossy Business Cards?

It depends. Professionals from different industry types will be biased towards a kind of finish. As we have seen, there may be no "best business card finish" after all. So much will depend on what you want when choosing between matte finish business cards vs glossy cards.

Which is the Best Finish for Business Cards?

If you need a radiant business card that is attention-grabbing and durable, with your colors and pictures displayed nice and sharp, then go for the glossy finish. The drawback is that some professionals may find this mix too clamorous. Besides, this type of finish may not meet your design requirements, particularly when you need an embossed design or a stamped card. But if glossy cards meet your business needs, why not?

Alternatively, choose the matte finish if you want a business card that accommodates subtleties while being no less effective. But if your card design must render high-quality images precisely, you may revert to the glossy finish.

There may not be a “best business card finish,” but that's hardly bad. These two available finishes do not compete. Instead, their seemingly random mix of attributes comes nicely together to meet the needs of varying businesses.

Choosing the Right Finish

The finish of your business card is more than just a look. It has a huge impact on how the card feels, how it looks and how it will hold up in the long run.

Glossy vs. Matte finishes

Glossy and matte are the two most popular finishes available for business cards, and each provides distinct advantages. So which is better, glossy or matte business cards? Knowing the differences between the two options will help you select a finish that best matches your brand and personal aesthetic.

Glossy business cards are stunning and provide a high-gloss finish to make colors pop. The shiny surface really boosts the colors and provides great contrast, giving you a bright, vibrant, and striking appearance. This finish is ideal for designs that include vivid hues, intricate illustrations or dramatic artwork. Just think about how great pictures from a photography studio would look on cards with a glossy finish. On the flip side, a tech startup can emphasize an innovative, cutting-edge aesthetic with the exact same approach. The shiny finish offers an extra measure of durability as well, keeping your cards safe from scuffs, dirt and fingerprints. Plus, the glossy card’s shiny finish can be especially hard to write on with a regular pen. This is what makes it less appropriate for adding handwritten notes in some environments.

Matte business cards have a smooth, non-reflective finish that conveys a great deal of elegance and understatement. It’s the perfect finish for more minimalist designs and moody, muted color palettes. This is because it prevents glare and gives a crisp, sharp, businesslike look. For instance, if you’re a law firm, you could use a matte finish option to help convey a sense of trust and professionalism. A luxury boutique brand might choose matte to evoke a sense of indulgence. Matte finishes offer easy and convenient writing options. This comes in especially handy at networking events where people commonly write personal notes on them. Plus, the subtle texture is less prone to showing fingerprints and other marks, so the card will maintain a crisp appearance even after long-term use.

In the end, there really is no right or wrong answer, only what you want your card to say. For example, a glossy card may convey a sense of energy and innovation, whereas a matte card will be more about elegance and reliability. Ultimately, both matte and glossy finishes can work equally well if used intelligently. Do take a moment to think about what that means for your brand’s identity and how they will be used in practice. For anyone who still isn’t sure, asking for some samples or mock-ups will give you a better idea of how each finish will work with your design.

Professionalism in Card Finishes

When it comes to business cards, the choice between glossy and matte finishes plays a significant role in how your card is perceived. Each finish offers unique qualities that can enhance the professionalism of your brand, depending on the context and design. Knowing these differences allows you to make an educated decision that best fits your objectives and creates the desired impression.

These types of finishes tend to get considered for their vibrant and polished appearance. The glossy surface enhances color vibrancy and detail contrast because the smooth glossy coat reflects all the ambient light. This effect really pops out in designs with large graphic elements or vivid colors. Consider design elements like logos that employ bold reds or dark blues! A glossy card has a very high-end, smooth feeling. This style works especially well with industries such as tech, entertainment, and fashion, where the visual impact is critical. For instance, if you are a graphic designer, you may use highly glossy finishes for your business cards to reflect your creativity and your attention to detail. The shiny surface can create glare which makes small text hard to read in bright lighting. To ensure your card can be read, use bigger text and simple layouts.

Conversely, matte finishes are favored for their subtle sophistication and soft feel. They provide an elegant, non-reflective finish that exudes an air of professionalism and sophistication. Matte cards work best for designs that focus on minimalism, like black and white color palettes or softer colors. They are generally more readable, because you can always count on 100% clarity, since there is no glare to obstruct readability in any light. Matte finishes are all the rage across all industries. They assist in communicating a polished and professional look that is key for industries such as legal, financial, and consulting industries. Matte cards are less likely to show fingerprints and smudges, keeping them looking crisp and clean at all times. This is particularly beneficial following extensive use. If you work in a field where precision and professionalism are highly valued, matte could be more suitable to your brand’s identity.

Durability is a third, and still important, factor to consider. Because of the coating, glossy cards repel water and are more resistant to wear. This renders them extremely tough for outdoor use and high-contact environments. Matte finishes are not as susceptible to visible scratches, helping keep your cards looking sharp even after some use. If you’re sweating it out at a big networking event, a matte card might hold up better. It can take the abuse of being passed around to a hundred people. Either way, choose a quality card stock to make sure your cards feel durable and make a memorable impact.

How to Order

At 4over4.com, we also print-related documents and business products such as visiting cards, letterheads, and branded envelopes.

Additionally, if you don't have design experience, make use of our list of free professional templates. Once your design is ready, you can order in 4 steps:

You'll get an email confirming we've received your order. Then, our experts will vet your artwork for free. Once they deem it okay, you'll receive a free online proof. Finally, printing commences when you're happy.

With a turnaround time of just 0-5 days, your order is on its way!

FAQs

1. Matte vs Glossy Business Cards: What are the main differences?

When choosing between matte and glossy business cards, the main difference lies in their appearance and texture. Matte business cards have a smooth, non-shiny finish, while glossy business cards have a reflective, shiny surface.

2. How does the finish affect the design of the business cards?

The finish of a business card, whether matte or glossy, can significantly impact the overall look of the design. Matte finishes tend to give a more subtle and sophisticated look, while glossy finishes can make colors appear more vibrant and eye-catching.

3. Which type of finish is more durable?

Generally, glossy business cards are more durable than matte business cards because of the coating applied to the surface. The gloss coating provides a level of protection against wear and tear, making the cards less prone to damage.

4. Do matte business cards show fingerprints more easily than glossy ones?

Matte business cards are less likely to show fingerprints compared to glossy ones. The smooth surface of matte cards tends to be more resistant to fingerprints and smudges, making them a good choice for a clean and professional look.

5. How does light glare affect matte and glossy business cards differently?

Glossy business cards are more susceptible to light glare due to their reflective surface. On the other hand, matte business cards have a non-reflective finish, making them a better choice if you want to avoid glare issues when presenting your cards under different lighting conditions.

6. What about the thickness of matte and glossy business cards?

The thickness of matte and glossy business cards can vary depending on the printing company and the options available.