Matte or "Pearl" versus Glossy Photo Paper
Matte or "Pearl" versus Glossy Photo Paper
At Cloutier Fotographic - we offer two standard photographic paper options: luster (i.e., pearl or matte), and glossy. Glossy is exactly what the name suggests - a wet look over the image, and luster mimics the finish of a pearl, slightly matte.
As Ilford states, “GALERIE Prestige combines state-of-the-art inkjet technology with more than a century of experience in the craft of photographic image making to provide a range of products that match the aspirations and needs of professional photographers the world over.”
Smooth Gloss:
Key Benefits
Professional gloss finish
Instant dry surface
Superb photographic image quality and consistency
Heavyweight look and feel of a traditional photograph
Ilford product support has this to say about their Smooth Gloss paper:
"GALERIE Smooth Gloss paper features the very latest HDR (High Dynamic Range) optically clear coating and coupled with recent advancements in inkjet receiving layer design, makes this the reference media for producing images with superb clarity, high sharpness and excellent color gamut.The high-density, resin coated heavyweight base and smooth “bright white” gloss finish creates the look and feel of a superior photographic print. With the added benefit of being “touch dry” from the printer, this gloss media is the “choice of professionals”."
Smooth Pearl or "Luster" Paper:
Key Benefits
Professional pearl finish
Instant dry surface
Superb photographic image quality and consistency
Heavyweight look and feel of a traditional photograph
"GALERIE Smooth Pearl paper features the very latest HDR (High Dynamic Range) optically clear coating and coupled with recent advancements in inkjet receiving layer design, makes this the reference media for producing images with superb clarity, high sharpness and excellent color gamut.
The high-density, resin coated heavyweight base and smooth pearl finish not only eliminate glare and fingerprints but with its natural photographic white tint, produce prints with the true look and feel of a photograph. For outstanding imaging performance, combined with the benefit of “touch dry” from the printer, this pearl surface media is the “choice of professionals”."
Depending on how the print will be displayed, the paper choice can determine which option may work best. Keep in mind that gloss may cause internal reflections underneath the glass but produce more contrast, and a perception of additional sharpening. A custom frame shop will have options for museum glass which may reduce those reflections and improve the resale value.
And, there is the Premium paper…