Glossy or Matte Prints? (Page 2): Glossy is the only way to get the most detail out of a print. Matte is fine for portrait, for that reason. --Bob...

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

WF2B wrote:

I submit work to a charity art show. I usually provide framed matte finished prints, but I wonder if I should be providing Glossy instead. (All my prints are done professionally by McGreevy Pro Lab, a local service in Albany, NY. They do a great job at reasonable prices.) McGreevy is the one who recommended matte finish. I would appreciate advice from those of you who display and sell prints.

Glossy is the only way to get the most detail out of a print. Matte is fine for portrait, for that reason.
--Bob

wj cody Loc: springfield illinois

it is really a difficult call. matte, of course offers less reflectance and is easier to view in natural light. it does tend to lose some detail in the shadow areas. glossy can be an excellent surface, especially when mounted with a dispersion glass. you sort of get the best of both worlds.

it might be fun to have both surfaces printed and see for yourself which you prefer.
good luck with your search!

pithydoug Loc: Catskill Mountains, NY

Dds82 wrote:

I once asked a local professional photographer who submits prints in competitions , matte or glossy?. He answered " many exhibitions won't accept glossy". It seemed like judging was easier if everyone had matte.

At times the also request a simple black frames and a white matte for consistency. That's all about judging.

As for one's own use or to hang for sale, it's a personal choice. And as pointed out, there are more than matte and glossy to include canvas, metal, etc etc.

mcveed Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)

WF2B wrote:

I submit work to a charity art show. I usually provide framed matte finished prints, but I wonder if I should be providing Glossy instead. (All my prints are done professionally by McGreevy Pro Lab, a local service in Albany, NY. They do a great job at reasonable prices.) McGreevy is the one who recommended matte finish. I would appreciate advice from those of you who display and sell prints.

I think it depends on the picture being printed. Arty black and whites I always print on matte or watercolour paper. If the colour and the detail are key elements in the picture I print glossy. I never use glare or reflection free glass on a colour print as I find it sucks the life out of the colour. So sometimes the reflections force me to find a different place to hang it. What kind of glass do you use?

BudsOwl Loc: Upstate NY and New England

Thanks to everyone for your comments. They have been helpful.

mcveed wrote:

I think it depends on the picture being printed. Arty black and whites I always print on matte or watercolour paper. If the colour and the detail are key elements in the picture I print glossy. I never use glare or reflection free glass on a colour print as I find it sucks the life out of the colour. So sometimes the reflections force me to find a different place to hang it. What kind of glass do you use?

I usually buy my frames "off the shelf" with standard glass. Do not use non reflective.

jimvanells Loc: Augusta, GA

Another option not discussed so far is printing in glossy and using a matte spray coating. I have been using glossy for years because of the detail they offer and spraying them. Alas, the Sureguard Lex 941 matte spray is no longer available but others have replaced it. One can lasts a long time and also provided a UV barrier to help prevent fading.

stan0301 Loc: Colorado

Personally I would use luster--combines some of the best elements of both
Stan

BudsOwl Loc: Upstate NY and New England

stan0301 wrote:

Personally I would use luster--combines some of the best elements of both
Stan

I haven't tried luster, but I have tried metallic pearl. I haven't tried it on black and white where I think it might be spectacular.

mffox Loc: Avon, CT

I always use matte for show entries. Some rules require it, others don't specify.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

When I frame a print, it's under glass and matted... and always matte finish.

I avoid "non-glare" glass like the plague... can't see the fine details under the glass, with non-glare.

I only use gloss and semi-gloss prints in albums and other presentation where they aren't under glass.

"Lustre" is for wedding albums only, IMO.

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

orrie smith wrote:

someday you may like to try canvas, they turn out great.

:thumbup: :thumbup:

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

WF2B wrote:

I submit work to a charity art show. I usually provide framed matte finished prints, but I wonder if I should be providing Glossy instead. (All my prints are done professionally by McGreevy Pro Lab, a local service in Albany, NY. They do a great job at reasonable prices.) McGreevy is the one who recommended matte finish. I would appreciate advice from those of you who display and sell prints.

To me it depends on the subject and use of the print.

Portrait - Matte
Product - Glossy
Auotmobile - Glossy
Landscape earthy - Matte
Landscape Watery - Glossy
High Detail - Glossy
Flowers - Matte or Glossy
Seascape - Glossy
Anything for reproduction: lithography, halftone, etc. - Glossy

I figure and learned, match finish to subject. And there are many finishes between the extremes.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Somehow the thread shifted from Print Surface to type of Glass used for framing. What?!

BudsOwl Loc: Upstate NY and New England

lamiaceae wrote:

To me it depends on the subject and use of the print.

Portrait - Matte
Product - Glossy
Auotmobile - Glossy
Landscape earthy - Matte
Landscape Watery - Glossy
High Detail - Glossy
Flowers - Matte or Glossy
Seascape - Glossy
Anything for reproduction: lithography, halftone, etc. - Glossy
Thanks for some good advice.
I figure and learned, match finish to subject. And there are many finishes between the extremes.

BudsOwl Loc: Upstate NY and New England

lamiaceae wrote:

To me it depends on the subject and use of the print.

Portrait - Matte
Product - Glossy
Auotmobile - Glossy
Landscape earthy - Matte
Landscape Watery - Glossy
High Detail - Glossy
Flowers - Matte or Glossy
Seascape - Glossy
Anything for reproduction: lithography, halftone, etc. - Glossy

I figure and learned, match finish to subject. And there are many finishes between the extremes.

Thanks for some good advice.