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Glossy, lustre, matte or metallic — which paper?

Each paper surface feels different. A quick comparison to pick the right one for weddings, family photos or wall art.

October 5, 2026
Glossy, lustre, matte or metallic — which paper?

Glossy

Vivid colors, high contrast, deep blacks. Great for landscapes and colorful photos. Downside: shows fingerprints and glare when hung opposite a window.

Lustre

A lightly textured, semi-gloss surface — the most popular choice for weddings, portraits and family photos. Fewer fingerprints, little glare, colors still look great.

Matte

No glare, a soft and classic feel. Ideal for black & white, pastel tones and photos hung in bright rooms.

Metallic

A metallic sheen makes highlights shimmer and gives depth. Great for cars, architecture, night shots and fireworks.

Summary

SurfaceColorGlare controlBest for
GlossyMost vividPoorLandscapes, colorful photos
LustreRich, balancedGoodWeddings, portraits
MatteSoftExcellentB&W, pastel tones
MetallicShimmeringAverageArchitecture, night shots

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