Matte vs glossy business cards: which finish to choose

Matte and glossy describe how a business card's surface reflects light. A glossy card is shiny and makes colors look brighter. A matte card has a soft, low-shine surface that is easier to read and easier to write on. The right choice depends on your design, how people will use the card and whether you want it to be recyclable.

For our cards on recycled paper, see eco friendly business cards.

Matte vs glossy at a glance

• Look: glossy is shiny and vivid. Matte is smooth and muted.
• Glare: glossy reflects light, so text can be harder to read under bright lights. Matte has little glare.
• Writing: matte and uncoated cards can be written on with a pen. Glossy cards smear or resist most pens.
• Fingerprints: glossy cards show fingerprints and scuffs more easily.
• Photos: glossy suits photo-heavy designs. Matte suits type-led and minimal designs.
• Feel: glossy feels slick. Matte feels soft and a little more premium.

When glossy business cards make sense

Glossy cards work well for designs built around a photograph or bright colors, such as real estate, photography, food or travel businesses. The coating helps colors stand out and protects the print from light wear. Glossy is a weaker choice if people will write on the card, such as appointment cards or cards with a handwritten note.

When matte business cards make sense

Matte cards suit clean, type-led designs and brands that want a calm, professional look. They are easy to read in any light and take a pen well. Matte is also a natural fit for recycled paper, which has a slightly textured surface that a heavy gloss would hide.

Uncoated: the third option

An uncoated card has no coating at all. It has the most natural feel and is the easiest to write on. Colors print a little softer, because the paper absorbs more ink. An uncoated card on 100% post-consumer recycled stock is the simplest choice if recycling matters to you, and it is the best fit for most cards.

Other finishes to consider

• Soft-touch: a velvety coating with a suede-like feel. Many soft-touch finishes are a plastic laminate, which makes the card harder to recycle.
• Spot gloss: gloss applied only to part of the card, such as a logo, on top of a matte or uncoated card. It adds contrast without making the whole card shiny.
• Foil stamping: metallic foil pressed into the paper for a logo or accent. Small foil accents are a better choice than large foil areas if you want the card to be recyclable.
• Letterpress: a design pressed into thick cotton paper so you can feel it. See our guide to letterpress business cards.
• Painted edges: color applied to the edges of a thick card.

Which finish is the most eco friendly?

Uncoated recycled paper is the most eco friendly option, because there is nothing on the card that a paper mill has to remove. Water-based coatings are generally accepted in paper recycling. Plastic laminates and large areas of foil make a card harder to recycle. If you want some shine, spot gloss on part of an uncoated card is a good middle ground.

Our guide to recycled paper business cards compares the stocks in more detail.

Common questions about matte and glossy business cards

Which is better, matte or glossy business cards?

Neither is better for every card. Glossy suits photo-heavy and colorful designs. Matte suits clean designs and cards people will write on. For recycled paper and a natural look, matte or uncoated is usually the better fit.

Do matte business cards look cheap?

No. Matte and uncoated cards on a heavy stock often feel more premium than glossy cards, especially with a thick card weight or a letterpress or foil accent.

Can you write on glossy business cards?

Most pens smear or skip on a glossy coating. If people will write on the card, choose matte or uncoated, or leave the back uncoated.

Are glossy business cards recyclable?

Cards with a water-based gloss coating can usually be recycled with paper. Cards with a plastic laminate are harder to recycle. Check with your local recycling program.

To compare stocks and finishes for your card, request a quote and tell us how the card will be used.