Should my business card be matte or glossy?

Choose matte lamination if you prefer a subdued, professional appearance with a distinct tactile quality, or select gloss if your design relies on vibrant, high-contrast imagery. Matte films diffuse light, which reduces glare and often feels more premium to the touch, making them a popular default for corporate identities. Gloss films reflect light, enhancing the perceived saturation of CMYK inks and making spot UV or foil accents pop more dramatically. The choice is stylistic rather than technical; both protect the card surface and ensure the printed image remains legible. Consider the overall brand aesthetic you wish to project before selecting a finish.

Sources

  • ISO 12647-2:2013 — Graphic technology: process control for offset lithographic processes

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