| When printing digital photos you have a choice | | | | condition. Matte photo prints are also less likely to |
| between matte and glossy photo prints. Glossy | | | | attract dust and fingerprints and are less likely to |
| photo prints have a shiny finish while matte ones | | | | get dirty over time. Black and white matte photo |
| have a more subtle neutral one. So which one | | | | prints look better than black and white glossy |
| should you choose? There is no right answer - | | | | photo prints. On the downside matte photo prints |
| there are pros and cons to both. | | | | do not have the fancy high quality look that |
| Matte and glossy are two different finishes to the | | | | glossy photo prints have. Colors in matte photo |
| photo paper digital photos are printed on. Using | | | | prints are less vibrant and less rich than on glossy |
| different chemicals and processes photo paper | | | | photo prints. |
| can have a glossy or a matte finish. Glossy finish | | | | So which one to choose - matte or glossy? It |
| looks shiny, reflects light very well and looks | | | | really depends on your needs and what you are |
| vibrant and color rich. Matte finish on the other | | | | going to do with the photo prints. As a general |
| hand does not reflect much light and looks | | | | rule use glossy photo prints for color prints and |
| "darker" and duller. | | | | matte photo prints for black and white ones. If |
| There are pros and cons to choosing either | | | | the photo prints are going to be touched by |
| matter or glossy digital photo prints. Here are | | | | many people and used a lot matte is a better |
| some of them: | | | | choice unless you do not mind spending time |
| Glossy photo prints: Glossy photo prints are shiny | | | | cleaning your glossy photo prints every now and |
| and are more appealing to the eye. They look | | | | then. Also if you plan to print large photos (for |
| fancy and convey a high quality feeling. Glossy | | | | example to hang on the wall or frame and put on |
| photo prints have vibrant colors. Colors also look | | | | your desk) matte is a better choice since a large |
| rich and deep on glossy photo prints. On the | | | | glossy print would act as a large glossy and shiny |
| downside glossy photo prints "shiny" attribute can | | | | light reflector. |
| be a problem when photos are viewed using | | | | As with many other choices a matter or glossy |
| intense light sources such as daylight sun or | | | | choice is a matter of personal preference. To |
| strong light bulbs. Light reflected from the photo | | | | make an educated decision you should have |
| print can blind the viewer making it hard to see | | | | experienced both. If you do not have that |
| the photo. Glossy paper is also more likely to | | | | experience you can choose a few photos some |
| attract dust and fingerprints and is thus more | | | | color and some black and white and print them |
| likely to get dirty over time. Black and white | | | | both on matte and on glossy paper and in |
| glossy photo prints do not look as good as matte | | | | different sizes. Look at the prints and see what |
| ones. | | | | you like and what you do not like about them. In |
| Matte finish: Matte photo prints do not reflect light | | | | the future you would be able make better |
| and are thus easier to view at almost any light | | | | choices by applying that experience. |