“Would you like that gloss, satin or uncoated?”

If you’re not sure what any of those words mean, don’t worry! They’re printing terms that can sound a little confusing if you don’t work with print every day.

The finish you choose can make a real difference to how your printed materials look and feel. So let’s break down the options.

What is gloss?

Gloss has a smooth, shiny surface that helps colours and photographs look bright, vibrant and eye-catching.

It’s particularly effective for image-heavy designs, colourful promotional materials and marketing where you want your visuals to stand out.

You might choose gloss for: promotional flyers, photo-heavy leaflets, colourful brochures and other designs where impact is important.

The downside? Reflections can sometimes make text harder to read under certain lighting conditions, and fingerprints can be more noticeable on shiny surfaces.

What is satin?

Think of satin as the middle ground between uncoated and gloss.

It has a gentle sheen, rather than the high shine of gloss, giving colours a little extra vibrancy without being quite so reflective.

It’s a popular option when you want your printed materials to look polished and professional, but prefer something a little more subtle than gloss.

You might choose satin for: brochures, leaflets, catalogues and marketing materials where you want a balance of colour, readability and a smart finish.

What is uncoated?

Uncoated paper has no additional surface coating, giving it a more natural, paper-like feel. It has a non-shiny appearance and is often referred to as matte in everyday conversations about print.

It can be a great choice when you want a simple, understated or traditional look. Uncoated paper is also often easier to write on, making it particularly useful for stationery and other printed materials where people might need to add notes by hand.

You might choose uncoated for: letterheads, compliment slips, notepads, forms, business stationery and designs where you want a natural, non-shiny finish.

Colours can appear a little softer on uncoated paper than on gloss or satin, as the paper absorbs ink differently. The exact result depends on the paper stock and print process.

Which should you choose? It all comes down to what you’re printing, how it will be used and the look you’re hoping to achieve.