Gloss or Matte Finish? Choose the Right Look
Packages are not a box. They carry your brand message. The finish you use—gloss or matte—may alter how others perceive your product. Glossy adds a shiny, bright appearance. Matte is soft and refined.
They both are wonderful. But you need to choose the one that works perfectly for your brand. On this page, you will learn how gloss and matte finishes differ. You will know how to select the best for your product and customers.
Let’s discover which finish works perfectly for you.
What Is a Gloss Finish?
It is extremely shiny. It has a reflective quality to it and makes your colors really pop and be vibrant. It is smooth to the touch, nearly like glass. When you hold in your hand a box with a gloss finish, it appears clean and complete.
Gloss works best for bold color or image designs. It will highlight the colors. That is, they will be more visible. If your box has pale-colored images, a gloss finish will give them a sparkling effect.
Gloss finish is typically used for packing cosmetics, toys, electronics, or fashion goods. This finish gives your box a novel and playful look.
Advantages of Gloss Finish
Gloss packaging has some positive things working in its favor. To begin with, it is simple to clean. Spill something on it, and you wipe it clean. This is excellent for food or beauty items.
Secondly, gloss makes your box look fresh and exciting. It provides an impression of energy and playfulness. When individuals see a glossy box, they might feel like receiving something playful.
Third, gloss is ideal for social media. Glossy boxes appear pleasing to the eye when being photographed and filmed. Unboxing videos are something everyone likes to post on the web. A gloss box will make theirs stand out in their photos.
Disadvantages of Gloss Finish
Gloss is lovely, but there are some drawbacks. One is that it fingerprints. When someone touches the box, the prints may stick to the box. That may not be pretty on the shelves in stores.
Gloss also reflects too much light. When the lighting is strong, it is hard to read letters on the box. This can make it harder for customers to read vital information.
The second problem is that gloss causes scratches to be more easily visible. If the box is compromised, the scratches can be plainly seen.
What Is a Matte Finish?
The matte finish is not shiny. It is soft and silky to the touch. Matte does not reflect light like gloss. It provides a soothing and elegant appearance. The majority of individuals believe matte feels more natural and easier.
Matte is typically used for luxury or premium brands. It is appropriate for skincare, candles, jewelry, and green brands. When someone lays eyes on a matte box, they feel as though the brand is professional and trustworthy.
Matte packaging demonstrates that your brand is quality-focused. It can create a feeling of serenity and tranquility.
Advantages of Matte Finish
Matte finish has certain merits. For one, it appears classy. The matte finish feels gentle to the touch. The majority of people love the smooth and velvety texture of matte boxes.
Secondly, matte does not leave fingerprints. That implies that your custom packaging remains clean even when individuals handle it. That is wonderful for merchandise that individuals constantly handle within stores.
Third, matte is readable. Because it is not shiny, your writing on your box will always be readable. Your customer will still be able to read your product name and description even in direct sunlight.
Disadvantages of Matte Finish
Matte is wonderful, but it’s not perfect either. One thing is that the colors mellow out. If you have rich colors in your artwork, they won’t pop quite as well on matte. Matte causes everything to lose its shine.
Also, matte boxes are prone to scuffs. When you are shipping out your items, the boxes can get scuffed during transport. The scuffing can give the appearance that the box is already used.
Finally, matte can be too understated for some brands. If your brand is obnoxious or fun, matte will not give that personality.
How to Choose Between Gloss and Matte
The final decision hinges upon your product, your brand, and your market. Here are several considerations to have in mind before making your decision:
- What Is Your Brand Style?
Consider the way your brand sounds and appears. If your brand is hip, bold, or playful, gloss may be more suitable. If your brand is serene, gentle, or elegant, matte may be the way to go.
Gloss is “fun and exciting.” Matte is “classy and simple.” Choose the finish that fits your tone.
- Who Is Your Customer?
Consider who is purchasing your product. Are they teenage trend-lovers? Or plain-loving adults? Teenagers will enjoy shiny, attention-grabbing packets. Adults might enjoy the smoothness of matte.
Understanding your target buyer lets you pick a finish that they’ll adore.
- What Kind of Product Are You Selling?
Certain types of products are better in gloss. Others are better in matte. Here are a few examples:
- Gloss is ideal for electronics, snacks, cosmetics, or shiny toys.
- Matte is ideal for candles, skin care, jewelry, and high-end products.
- Consider what your product is and where it’s going to be used.
- What Are Your Brand Colors?
If you’ve got bright colors in your layout, gloss brings them to life. However, if you’re working with light pastels or earth tones, matte will suit you better.
Gloss swamps light colors and makes them too shiny. Matte has a delicacy.
- Where Will the Box Be Used?
Will your box be opened in retail or at home? Gloss shines on retail shelves and gets noticed. But matte is more attractive when unwrapping gifts or luxurious products at home.
If your item is going to be featured on social media, gloss will make your brand stand out more in pictures. Matte can also be utilized, but if you prefer a more creative or more organic look.
- Can You Use Both Matte and Gloss?
Yes! Both finishes can be blended with a process called spot UV. Gloss is added to one part of the matte box, for instance. Your company name or your brand name can be glossy, while the rest of the box is matte.
This combination looks quirky and interesting. It adds spice but not too much.
Real-Life Examples
Let’s look at how brands apply gloss and matte boxes in everyday life:
A cosmetics brand can use shiny pink boxes for lip gloss. The shine really makes the color stand out. It’s young and trendy.
A luxury candle brand can use matte black boxes. It’s classy and sleek. The softness is well-suited to the peaceful nature of a candle.
Both are good. It really is a matter of what kind of message you want to convey.
Gloss vs. Matte: A Quick Comparison
Here’s an easy way to visualize the difference:
- Gloss = shiny, bright, bold, fun, new
- Matte = smooth, soft, peaceful, elegant, natural
- They are neither better nor worse than the other one. It’s actually a matter of what works for your product and brand.
Cost and Production
The price of gloss and matte finishes will be roughly equal, but it will also depend on your printing method and materials. Spot UV (combining both) may be slightly more expensive, but it is value-added.
Always request samples from your packaging supplier. Touch and feel the boxes prior to selecting.
Good packaging costs money. It causes your company to grow. Don’t go with the lowest cost—go with one that resonates with your customer.
Sustainability and Finish Options
If your company is eco-friendly, you might be wondering what finish is earth-friendly.
Matte finishes are perceived to feel more organic. A lot of recycled boxes have a matte finish. But now even gloss finishes can be made using environmentally friendly coatings.
Speak with your box manufacturer or printer and find out if they offer eco-friendly gloss or matte finish. You can get the appearance you desire and save the planet, too.
Last Thoughts: Which Do You Decide?
Gloss or matte is a major decision in your packaging strategy. It determines how people respond when they glance at or touch your product. If you desire bold, bright, and playful, use gloss. If you prefer soft, serene, and sophisticated, use matte. Feel free to try out both. Order trial sample runs. Present them to friends, family, or even your clients. Ask them what they prefer best.
Lastly, the best finish is one that aligns with your brand and brings joy to your customer.
With this knowledge of gloss and matte finishes, you can select the one that is suitable for your brand. Do you want your product to be the standout item on the shelves in stores? Gloss is the way to go. Do you want a gift-worthy box that makes you feel like it’s high-end? Matte might be the solution.
Experiment with various options, and be patient. Your packaging is your first impression. Get it right.
