Question - What type paper finish to use? Glossy Finish, Matte Finish, Luster Finish, Metallic Finish: I usually print everything in Matte and was wondering what " you guys" thoughts...

cdavis7820 Loc: Akron Ohio

I usually print everything in Matte and was wondering what " you guys" thoughts were on paper finish. I probably use Matte because my subconscience stills me it's a safe choice. My photographs are normally landscapes, some portraits, macro stuff and B&W's.

Glossy Finish, Matte Finish, Luster Finish, Metallic Finish

Leitz Loc: Solms

cdavis7820 wrote:

I usually print everything in Matte and was wondering what " you guys" thoughts were on paper finish. I probably use Matte because my subconscience stills me it's a safe choice. My photographs are normally landscapes, some portraits, macro stuff and B&W's.

Glossy Finish, Matte Finish, Luster Finish, Metallic Finish

I don't do "stuff," so knowing what I use would be of no benefit to you.

cdavis7820 Loc: Akron Ohio

Thanks Leitz. No need to reply if you can't bring value to the conversation. Good Grief!

Charles 46277 Loc: Fulton County, KY

Personal choice, but I think what is best should depend on the shot. Bold graphic outlines can be effective on matte, also pics where finest detail is not critical (or undesirable). Matte can suppress flaws to some extent, and could reduce reflections when framed. But traditionally, glossy prints show off quality best where sharp detail is wanted and reflections are not an issue.

Leitz Loc: Solms

cdavis7820 wrote:

Thanks Leitz. No need to reply if you can't bring value to the conversation. Good Grief!

Rather than copy what others do, choose the finish that looks best to you. (Is that better?)

cdavis7820 Loc: Akron Ohio

Leitz wrote:

Rather than copy what others do, choose the finish that looks best to you. (Is that better?)

Thanks, I'll take that into consideration.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

If you are selling the prints--whatever the buyer wants. If you are printing for yourself--experiment. Se wicch you prefer for which type of photo. There are no bad choices, but nobody else can tell you what you like best.

jwhphotos Loc: Maryland

I use either luster or glossy but, it is a matter of personal preference and what fits the subject best. I rarely use matte or metallic but I have used canvas.

Most of my photography is wildlife with probably an equal part of sailboat racing thrown in.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Cdavis7820 - Last year I created a tightly-cropped image of a woodpile. Large rough cut logs which had been split to use as firewood in an artist's kiln. I asked Whitewall to print the image, and from their menu of choices, I had them print it on canvas with a luster finish. The result was very nice and the photo has generated many compliments. My point is that, while matte and glossy are fine, you should avoid being "wedded" to one or two approaches - consider each image on its own merits and mentally select option(s) for reproducing it. You may be surprised.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

Usually matte if it's going up on a wall, and glossy if going into an album.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

cdavis7820 wrote:

I usually print everything in Matte and was wondering what " you guys" thoughts were on paper finish. I probably use Matte because my subconscience stills me it's a safe choice. My photographs are normally landscapes, some portraits, macro stuff and B&W's.

Glossy Finish, Matte Finish, Luster Finish, Metallic Finish

For me, that really depends on the print itself, I like Luster for a lot of my images, sometimes I use canvas/watercolor papers!

cdavis7820 Loc: Akron Ohio

Thanks for feedback everyone.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Usually gloss, but recently I had Bay Photo do an automobile print in metallic, and it was gorgeous for this type of shot.

jim quist Loc: Missouri

There are two kinds of metallic prints and both have a different look to them. You just have to experiment and see which you like better. I don't care for glossy because of how the light glares on it.

mcveed Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)

I suggest you try all of them on different images. Develop a sense of what effect the finish has on the overall impact of the print. Then use the finish that enhances the effect you are trying to create. Glossy to enhance the bright energetic subject, matte to enhance the dreamy portrait, for example. But its better if you choose after testing for yourself rather than use somebody else's ideas.