Picking the right finish for your stickers makes a huge difference, not just in how they look, but also in how they perform. Matt and gloss each have their own perks, so whether you want a subtle finish or something bold and attention-grabbing, knowing the differences can help you decide what is best for you.
What are Matt Stickers?
Also referred to as; Non-Reflective Stickers, Flat Finish Stickers, Matt Laminated
Matt stickers feature a soft, anti-reflective finish that gives a refined and understated look to your designs. This can be achieved in Matt papers, or by adding Matt Lamination to our plastic materials like polypropylene. Their low glare surface minimises reflections, making text and graphics easier to read in bright lighting conditions. Matt finishes are often chosen for a professional or vintage look and are less likely to show fingerprints or smudges. Matt finishes produce a more muted colour than Glossy finishes, so if vibrancy is your aim then Glossy stickers would be a better choice.
Design Tip: Why Matte Stickers Are Best for QR Code Labels
Through hands-on experience in print and packaging, we've found that matt stickers are the best choice for labels featuring QR codes. Unlike glossy finishes, which can create glare under certain lighting conditions, matt surfaces minimise reflections, ensuring quick and reliable scanning from multiple angles and outdoors. This is especially crucial for product packaging, event badges, or promotional materials, where customers or staff need a seamless scanning experience.
For best results, also ensure your QR code has high contrast against the background and is sized appropriately, too small and some scanners may struggle to read it. A good QR code on the right material means faster engagement, and a better customer experience.
If you're designing QR code labels, choose matt finishes for better usability, your customers (and their scanners) will thank you!
Support Tip: Choosing Between Matte and Gloss – Glare vs. Vibrancy
One thing we always tell customers when choosing between matt and gloss stickers is to think about what's more important, glare resistance or colour vibrancy.
If you want a low-glare finish, go for matt. It works by diffusing light rather than reflecting it straight back, which helps reduce glare, fingerprints, and smudges. That's why matt stickers are perfect for QR codes, text-heavy designs, or anything that needs to be easily readable in different lighting conditions.
But if you're after vibrant colours, then gloss is the way to go. The reflective surface enhances the vibrancy of colours, making reds, blues, and other tones pop. Just keep in mind that gloss can reflect light further, so if you're using it on something that needs scanning, it might not be the best choice.
So, the key question is, do you need a glare-resistant, soft muted finish, or are you looking for that high-impact, glossy shine? Choose based on what matters most, or what you think looks best, maybe take a look at what competitors are doing so you can stand out!
Key Features:
- Excellent readability even under direct light.
- Offers a sophisticated, elegant appearance.
- Hides smudges and light scratches effectively.
Best For:
- Premium branding where a refined image is key.
- Designs that require a subdued, classic look.
- Projects where reducing visual distractions from reflections is important.
What Glossy Stickers?
Also referred to as; Shiny Stickers, Reflective Stickers, Gloss Laminated
Glossy stickers have a high-shine, reflective finish that makes colours and designs stand out. Their bright and shiny surface is perfect for catching the eye, we find them consistently popular for promotional materials and product packaging. However, the reflective top face can sometimes result in glare. Glossy labels are also more susceptible to fingerprints and smudges, so may need a wipe down every now and then to keep them looking great.
Design Tip: Achieving a Deep, Premium Black in Print
For a rich, intense black that enhances your design, we recommend using CMYK 50, 50, 50, 100 rather than a standard 100% black. This formula is based on the FOGRA39 European print standard, ensuring a deep, saturated black that prints cleanly without excessive ink coverage.
Unlike 100, 100, 100, 100, which in our testing can cause drying issues, smudging, and ink build-up when handled. A CMYK of 50, 50, 50, 100 provides a strong, premium black without overloading the ink. When paired with a gloss finish or gloss lamination, it produces a luxurious, high-end appearance, perfect for luxury packaging and high-impact designs. This ensures your black areas appear rich and clear, delivering a professional final product.
Support Tip: Why Gloss Finishes Enhance Colour and Durability
As we have mentioned, if you're looking for a high-shine finish with vibrant colours, gloss is the best choice. Unlike matt, which offers a muted, soft effect, gloss enhances colour depth and saturation, making designs appear brighter and more eye-catching. It's also worth noting that the lamination provide an extra layer of protection, sealing the ink to guard against smudges, fingerprints, and liquid contact.
Key Features:
- Creates a vivid appearance with enhanced colour vibrancy
- Gloss lamination provides added resistance to moisture and minor scuffs/scratches.
- Offers a shiny look that draws attention.
Best For:
- Eye-catching product packaging and promotional giveaways.
- Designs that are elevated with a more-so bold, contemporary look.
- Applications where a polished, vibrant finish is needed.
Bleed Techniques at a Glance:
Choose Matt Stickers if:
- You want a subtle, sophisticated finish for branding or packaging.
- Readability and a reduced glare are high priorities, especially if you need text and details to remain nice and clear in different lighting conditions.
- Your brand needs a classic, understated look that's currently on trend with luxury and muted aesthetics.
Note: Matt finishes are often thought of as "cheaper" than gloss, but this isn't the case. Whether paper or plastic, the cost difference comes down to the material and lamination level—so don't assume one is naturally pricier than the other.
Choose Glossy Stickers if:
- You're aiming for vibrant, eye-catching designs with a high-shine finish.
- You need strong colour enhancement, as gloss helps images and graphics "pop".
- You're retail-focused or want a modern, polished look that grabs attention on shelves or displays.
- Visual impact is the top priority and you'd like a slick, professional style.