Last Updated on February 13, 2025 by Packoi Team
Matte stock paper is a popular choice in the world of printing for its unique texture and understated elegance. Unlike glossy finishes, matte paper has a smooth and non-reflective surface. That’s why it’s typically used in applications where you need a professional finish.
Whether you’re working on brochures, business cards, or art prints, matte stock can elevate your project with its subtle charm. In this guide, we’ll discuss what matte stock paper is, explore its various uses, highlight its benefits, and compare it to other popular paper finishes to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your next print job. Let’s get started!
What Is Matte Stock Paper?
Matte stock paper is a coated paper with a dull or flat surface. It is created by applying a coating to the paper during the manufacturing process, which fills in any pits and pores on the paper’s surface. The process results in a smooth and even finish with minimal light reflection.
A common place where you’ll find matte stock paper is on the covers of paperback books. The soft, velvety feel creates a luxurious reading experience.
However, it’s not just limited to book covers. Matte paper has its applications in many printing projects, including but not limited to flyers and product packaging. From a business standpoint, matte paper is often used for marketing materials as it gives off a professional and high-quality impression.
The Different Types of Paper Finishes: Matte vs. Glossy
The three main paper finish types are matte, glossy, and uncoated. We’ve already touched on the matte variety above. In contrast, glossy paper boasts a shiny and ultra-smooth appearance. Satin or semi-gloss paper falls in between the two, offering a subtle shine.
Unlike these two, uncoated paper stock doesn’t have a coating. So, it’s finished is rather natural. It is typically used for books, notepads, and other printed materials that require writing or drawing. So, how do you choose the right paper finish for your project? It depends on your needs and preferences.
Glossy paper tends to be a good option for marketing materials like brochures since it has an eye-catching appearance. It’s also more vibrant, which is just what you need for brand exposure. In contrast, matte paper stock offers a more subdued and elegant look that is perfect for text-heavy materials like books and invitations.
The table below highlights the differences between both finish types.
| Characteristics | Matte Paper | Glossy Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Smooth, non-reflective | Shiny, reflective |
| Appearance | Muted, subtle, sophisticated | Bright, vibrant, eye-catching |
| Texture | Soft to the touch, smooth | Sleek, smooth but with a shiny, slick surface |
| Readability | Easy to read, no glare | Can cause glare, affecting readability |
| Fingerprint Resistance | More resistant to fingerprints | Tends to show fingerprints more easily |
| Durability | More durable in terms of handling and usage | Can be prone to scuffing and damage over time |
Benefits of Matte Stock Paper
Matte stock paper has a range of benefits. Some of them are as follows:
- Professional Look: If you’re going for a sophisticated and professional look, matte paper is the way to go. Its subtle finish gives off a sleek and refined look that can make your printed material appear more high-end.
- Easy to Read: The lack of glare and reflection on matte paper makes it easier for readers to read the text. So, it’s an excellent option for brochures and business cards, especially if they contain a lot of written information.
- Eco-Friendly: Matte paper is often made from recycled materials, making it an eco-friendly option for printing. It also requires less ink than glossy paper, reducing the environmental impact of your printing.
- Fewer Fingerprints: Matte paper is resistant to marks left by fingerprints, something that’s a common nuisance with glossy paper. That makes it a great choice for materials that will be handled frequently, such as menus or business cards.
The tactile experience offered by matte stock paper is superior to that of its glossy counterpart. Its subtle texture creates a more tactile feel that can add an extra dimension to your printed materials.
Common Uses of Matte Stock Paper
Matte stock paper is a versatile choice across many industries, offering a professional, polished look for a variety of print projects. Its smooth, non-reflective surface makes it ideal for business cards, brochures, and flyers, ensuring that your text and graphics stand out without the glare of a gloss finish.
The matte coating also offers excellent ink absorption, which helps keep printed images sharp and clear. This feature is especially important when working with fine details to keep your marketing materials looking crisp and professional.
Photographers and artists also turn to matte paper for prints and artwork because it allows images to retain their true depth without reflecting light.
Similarly, matte stock is commonly used in marketing and promotional materials, from catalogs to direct mail pieces. Its smoother surface makes sure that text is easy to read, while the minimal sheen prevents distracting reflections. The right paper stock helps maintain the integrity of your message and keeps it easy to engage with.
In packaging, matte paper is favored for its ability to provide a premium, elegant feel, whether it’s for luxury product packaging or gift boxes. The matte coating gives a subtle sophistication that can elevate any brand, especially when combined with light coating or foil stamping for added texture.
How to Choose the Right Matte Stock Paper for Your Project
When you’re looking for the best matte stock paper for your printing project, it’s important to keep a few considerations in mind. Here are a few of them.
Paper Weight and Thickness
Heavier papers, typically measured in grams per square meter (gsm) or pounds (lb), tend to feel more luxurious and provide a sturdier finish. For business cards or brochures, a paper weight of 250–350 gsm is often ideal. Lighter paper, around 170–200 gsm, works well for flyers or informational leaflets.
Weight and thickness can also impact the durability and feel of your printed materials, so choose what aligns with the quality you’re aiming for in your next print project.
Matte Finish and Texture
The texture of matte paper stock can vary across products. Some matte stock papers are more velvety, while others may have a slightly rougher feel.
Think about the tactile experience you want for your audience. For example, a smooth matte paper is best for high-end marketing materials. For artistic prints or packaging, a more textured finish could enhance the overall feel of the product. Always match the finish with the tone of your project.
Printing Methods: Digital vs. Offset
The printing method you plan to use can also influence the type of matte stock paper you choose. Make sure the paper you select is compatible with the printing technique for the best results.
If you’re using digital printing, go for matte papers designed specifically for digital presses. These papers have a special coating that allows ink to sit properly on the surface, ensuring high-quality prints. For offset printing, which is commonly used for larger runs, matte papers often have a heavier weight and can handle the higher ink loads used in this method.
Project’s Use and Durability
Think about how your printed materials will be handled. If you’re printing business cards or brochures that will be frequently handled, you’ll want to choose a thicker matte stock with more coating to ensure durability. For marketing materials or flyers that won’t be subjected to heavy use, you can opt for lighter matte paper with less coating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Matte Stock Paper
When working with matte stock paper, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final outcome of your project. One mistake to avoid is choosing the wrong weight for your project.
For example, using paper that’s too light for business cards or brochures can make them feel flimsy, while paper that’s too heavy for flyers or catalogs might make them feel unnecessarily bulky and expensive. It’s important to match the weight to the type of material you’re printing.
Another issue to watch out for is not considering the printing method. Not all matte papers are suitable for both digital and offset printing.
Using the wrong type for your printer, whether inkjet or laser printers, can lead to ink smudging, uneven coverage, or poor image quality. Always check that your matte stock paper is compatible with your printing process.
Finally, it’s imperative to think about the final appearance. A matte-coated paper may appear too dull or lack the richness of color you were expecting. It’s particularly an issue with prints that rely heavily on vibrant colors or detailed images. Test a sample first to ensure the matte finish aligns with the aesthetic you’re hoping to achieve.
Select Matte Stock Paper For Your Next Printing Project
To sum up, matte stock paper offers a finish that is perfect for professional and artistic prints, from business cards to photography. By choosing the right weight, finish, and printing method, you can make sure your materials look polished and perform well. Explore the possibilities of matte paper for your next project, and find trusted suppliers who can deliver high-quality options tailored to your needs.
Your Go-To Supplier for Matte Stock Paper
Looking for a reliable supplier to provide you with high-quality matte stock paper? Packoi is just the place to go for high-quality printing solutions. Get in touch with us to discuss your printing needs.
