Matte or Glossy?

I prefer mine matte, they don't show the finger prints as much. Though I must admit that while looking through pictures today I ran across some glossy that just popped the colors right out at me.

I agree with Kenda that matte are great for no fingerprints, but since I scan most of mine, I prefer glossy.

That said, I haven't printed photos in ages.

Alicia

I prefer glossy because they look prettier.

Glossy, usually because I think they look better shiney-er. :-)

Glossy

Lynne

I seem to be the only one here who prefers the look of matte. But I always print (or order) my pictures that way.

Mel K

i prefer matte as well since it doesn't show fingerprints. I've been told that the glossy lasts longer. The only way I can get them matte is when I order online. Every where else will only do glossy for the one hour development.

Amanda

Both. I like glossy for distant shots, scenery, close-up's of things that have bright colors like flowers, summer play photos, sports shots, etc.... Matte for close-up people shots.

Sandy

Glossy for my color pictures.

Matte for my black and white pictures.

Lately it has been 50/50

Kate

I don't care for glossy, but I wouldn't use matte unless it is framed under glass or UV resistant plastic like in an album. Matte prints don't seem to have the lifespan of the glossy ones. I suspect but don't know for sure why, I do suspect it has to do with what they use to make the glossy prints glossy. Matte prints almost always have a lower life rating. It is also dependant on the printer, ink and paper. If you use the paper and ink from the company that makes your printer you will get better performance.

Robert

I don't really have a preference. I've always liked matte because it hides fingerprints better. But, after reading other's posts about glossy having a longer life span, I'll be getting glossy now. LOL

I prefer the matte. I don't really care for the shine. It looks more professional.

Hello all - I like "pearl"

I am spoiled, in that my mom owns a high end photo lab, so I get to choose, free. Pearl has a nice sheen, but is far more subtle than glossy.

I think "pearl" may be the same as matte in other labs, though.

Anyway, that's my 2 cents.

Jessica

M-C wrote:

The Ilford Pearl is nothing short of stunning. Love that.

For those that like matte prints. Get some photo preservative spray. Not the de-aciding stuff for scrapbooking but for protecting inkjet prints. From what I have read a light spray on the printed side for matte increases its life span to almost that of glossy.

I would check with a camera store one that sells printers as well and ask them what brand and type they recommend. Don't bother with some place like Circuit City or Best Buy they won't have it or the information you need. But, a real camera store would especially if they sell printers.

Another option for matte is to have your prints made at a place that does chemically processed matte prints. The digital images are processed using chemical and paper just like a photographic negative. These will have the life span of regular photographic prints. You will need to ask around. Again a camera store is much more likely than Walgreen's or Wal-Mart or Costco, etc. Just ask if their digital prints are chemically processed or if they are printed.

Another option is to get dye-sub printer printed prints (say that three times fast). Dye-sub prints are not only very very water proof, but fade proof as well. However, I don't know if they come in matte or just glossy. It has been sometime since I have used or even looked at a dye-sub printer. I am thinking however that they are glossy. But, someplace that did them like a photo lab would be using a much more expensive printer than a consumer could afford and so matte now maybe an option.

I prefer matte when printing the photos from my computer at home, whereas glossy if I get them printed at the photo shop.

Not really sure why.. it's just a habit I suppose!

Laura in AUS

M-C wrote:

I went through a matte phase years ago (before scrapping) but I only do glossy now. The colors really pop with a gloss paper.

JennP.