Walk into any print conversation and you'll hear terms like gloss, silk, matt, and uncoated thrown around. They sound self-explanatory — but the differences between them are more nuanced than the names suggest, and picking the wrong one can undermine an otherwise great design.
Here's a clear breakdown.
The Core Distinction: Coated vs. Uncoated
Coated paper has a surface treatment — a mineral coating — applied during manufacturing. This fills in the microscopic pores of the paper, creating a smoother, less absorbent surface. Ink sits on top rather than soaking in, which means sharper detail, more vibrant colour, and a more consistent finish.
Uncoated paper has no surface treatment. It's more absorbent, has a natural texture, and tends to feel more tactile and organic. Think of the paper in a notebook, or a standard office letterhead.
Neither is better — they're different tools for different jobs.
The Coated Finishes, Explained
Gloss
High sheen, reflective surface. Colours look vivid and punchy. Great for: product catalogues, event posters, photography-heavy brochures. Not ideal for: anything with a lot of body text, since the reflection makes it harder to read under certain lighting.
Silk (also called Satin)
A middle ground — some sheen, but not reflective. Colours remain vibrant but the surface is easier to read. Arguably the most versatile coated finish. Works well for: brochures, flyers, annual reports, anything mixing images and text.
Matt (Coated)
Flat, non-reflective surface with a subtle softness. Feels more premium and contemporary than gloss. Excellent for: high-end brand materials, lookbooks, and anything where you want elegance over punch. Note: matt coated is different from uncoated — it still has the mineral coating, just with a flat finish.
When to Choose Uncoated
Uncoated paper is the right choice when:
- You're printing something to be written on — forms, notepads, menus that staff annotate. Pen ink doesn't sit well on coated stock.
- You want a natural, tactile feel — craft brands, artisan products, and anything projecting authenticity often deliberately choose uncoated.
- You're producing stationery — letterheads, envelopes, and compliment slips conventionally use uncoated stock.
- You're printing predominantly text — long-form content is easier on the eye on an uncoated surface.
A Quick Decision Guide
| Project Type | Recommended Finish |
|---|---|
| Photography-led brochure | Gloss or Silk |
| Corporate report | Silk or Matt coated |
| Premium brand collateral | Matt coated |
| Business stationery | Uncoated |
| Menus / forms | Uncoated |
| Posters | Gloss |
| Notepads | Uncoated |
One More Thing: Touch Matters
It's easy to focus on how something will look and forget how it will feel. A matt-laminated business card has a completely different emotional register to a gloss one — even if the design is identical. If you can, always request a paper sample before committing to a large run. Most printers are happy to send them.
Ready to price up your project? The PrintAtlas calculator lets you specify your finish and get an accurate cost estimate before you go to print.