FAQ - Matt Vs Clear - What's The Difference?

Here’s a short guide to the terms "matt labels" and "gloss labels" and the differences between them.

Here at Label Planet we supply labels with matt and with gloss finishes, and sometimes we get customers who aren’t sure of the difference between the two.

What does “finish” mean?

When we refer to the “finish” of a material, we are referring to the qualities/properties of its surface, such as its appearance and texture. For example, a material could have a shiny appearance or a dull appearance, and a smooth surface or a rough surface.

What is a “gloss” finish?

A gloss finish refers to a material that has a bright and shiny surface. This is because a gloss finish is very efficient at reflecting light. Common examples of items with a gloss finish include high quality brochures and magazines.

What is a “matt” finish?

A matt finish refers to a material that has a dull and non-shiny finish. This is because matt finishes diffuse light (when light is reflected off a matt surface, it spreads out over a wide area). Common examples of items with a matt finish include normal paper and newspapers.

Summary

So what’s the difference? Gloss and matt labels will look different – gloss labels will have a shiny finish while matt labels will have a dull finish. Gloss labels are suitable for matching a surface that has a gloss finish itself or as a decorative touch to an item. Matt labels are ideal if you need a label that won’t stand out or draw attention away from the object, or that will match a surface that has a matt finish.

For more definitions to common labelling terms, why not visit our Label Glossary.