Comparing Matte vs Gloss Lamination for Packaging

1. What is matte lamination?

Matte lamination provides your packaging with a smooth, non-reflective, silky-smooth finish. It is also referred to as soft-touch lamination.

It's the velvet of packaging materials!

It is an excellent way to achieve a low-profile, stylish appearance, as well as shielding your packaging against wear and tear.

--The advantages of matte laminate paper

Matte lamination, also known as soft touch lamination, reduces glare and reflections, ensuring your packaging design can be seen at any angle.

The non-reflective finish also adds a touch of sophistication and class, making your product stand out on the shelf.

Another advantage of matte lamination is that it covers small flaws in packaging materials, providing packaging with an interesting texture.

This is particularly helpful for recycled materials or personalised boxes that must be resistant to rough handling.

--Disadvantages of matte lamination

The disadvantages of matte lamination should also be taken into account.

Although it can make colours more subdued, it can also dull colours and reduce the vibrancy of images on the packaging.

It is also less durable than gloss lamination and easily scratched.

Overall, matte lamination is ideal for products requiring a sophisticated and understated appearance.

This includes high-end products such as cosmetics, jewellery and electronics, as well as products that require a natural or organic image, such as food and drink packaging.

Therefore, if you want an elegant and refined packaging design, matte lamination may be the solution!

2.What is gloss lamination?

Unlike matte lamination, it has a lustrous finish. It's as though you're applying clear varnish to a newly painted car.

It is ideal for adding glamour and vibrancy to your packaging, as well as providing a protective and durable coating to keep your product safe and secure.

--The benefits of gloss lamination

Gloss lamination is one of the greatest benefits as it makes packaging materials look brighter and more vivid by increasing colour vibrancy and image quality.

Gloss lamination is likely to be your best option if your brand is trying to convey a lighter, more youthful mood.

Gloss lamination is also scuff-, scratch- and moisture-resistant, making it a perfect choice for luxury food, cosmetics and gaming packaging.

--Disadvantages of gloss lamination

Gloss lamination has a few disadvantages.

It reflects direct light and glare, so text may be difficult to read and pictures of the packaging may be difficult to take, particularly under specific light conditions.

Fingerprints and smudges also appear more easily on gloss lamination than on matte lamination. Therefore, you should take the primary colours into consideration when designing your packaging; lighter colours will reveal fewer fingerprints.

Which lamination should you use?

Ultimately, the question of which is better depends on the purpose of the lamination.

As stated above, both matte and gloss lamination are associated with a set of advantages and disadvantages.

In certain applications, these disadvantages may be insignificant or even irrelevant.

In fact, you can combine the advantages of matte and gloss lamination to achieve the ideal finish for your packaging design.

For example, a gloss laminate on a matte laminate barcode might be easier to scan or write on in an emergency.

Conversely, a label or sticker can be made to look luxurious by applying a matte lamination, giving your packaging a sophisticated feel.

Although some individuals may consider matte lamination to be dull, it can be used creatively and effectively.

Gloss lamination or placement in the right context can give it a special look and feel, making it a standout on the shelf.

Matte vs. gloss lamination: A comparison