The finish you choose changes how a print looks as much as the paper or the colour profile does. The same image can appear rich and punchy under a gloss coat, or calm and painterly under a matt one. There is no universally correct answer, but there is usually a best answer for a given print, a given client and a given wall.
How finishes differ
Gloss reflects light directly. It deepens blacks, increases apparent contrast and makes saturated colours stand out. The downside is glare, especially under spotlights or opposite windows, and fingerprints show more readily.
Semi-gloss sits in the middle. It keeps much of the colour depth of gloss while scattering some reflected light, making it a sensible all-rounder for photography and display work. ClearJet aerosol coatings are available in both gloss and semi-gloss.
Matt diffuses light, so there is little or no glare and the print can be viewed from almost any angle. Blacks may look slightly less deep, but many artists prefer the quieter look, particularly on fine art papers and canvas.
Questions to ask
- Where will it hang? Bright, directional lighting or windows opposite favour a lower sheen.
- What is the image? Vivid commercial imagery and dark, high-contrast photographs often benefit from gloss or semi-gloss. Watercolours, pencil work and soft landscapes often look more natural in matt.
- What media was it printed on? A coating should usually complement the media. A gloss coat on a matt art paper changes its character entirely, which may or may not be what the client wants.
- Will it be framed? Prints framed under glass have their own reflections to consider; prints framed without glass rely on the coating for both protection and appearance.
- How will it be handled? Lower sheens tend to hide fingermarks and minor scuffs better.
Consistency across a set
For a series of prints shown together, or a wall covered in panels, consistent sheen matters. Uneven gloss is very noticeable under raking light. This is easier to achieve with a coating machine than by hand, but with care a roller or spray can give good results. Apply the same number of coats in the same way to every piece.
Always make a sample
Descriptions only go so far. The most reliable way to choose is to coat strips of the actual print with each finish you are considering and view them where the work will hang, or under similar lighting. This also confirms the coating is compatible with your ink and media, as solvent coatings do not suit every combination. Our sample testing guide explains how.
You can compare our options on the coatings and ClearJet pages.
Still torn between two finishes? We are glad to give an opinion. Call 01252 624 411 or drop us a message.