Glossy, Satin, or Uncoated? Choosing the Best Finish for Your Prints

When you’re uploading your files and placing an order, one of the most important decisions is to make sure you’re choosing the best finish for your prints. Glossy, satin, and uncoated finishes each have their own look, feel, and ideal use cases—and understanding the differences can make all the difference in how your final prints come to life.

So what is the difference between these finishes? And how do you know which one is right for your project? Let’s break it down.

✨ Glossy Finish: Vibrant and Polished

Best for: Photos, vibrant artwork, colorful flyers, or anything that needs to pop.

A glossy finish is smooth, shiny, and coated to enhance color and contrast. It makes photos look rich and saturated, and it adds a sleek, professional polish to prints.

Pros:

• Makes colors appear more vibrant and saturated

• Sharpens image contrast

• Eye-catching shine

Things to Consider:

• More prone to fingerprints and glare

• Harder to write on (especially with pens or markers)

Glossy papers available at CatPrint include:

• Luster Gloss Poster Paper

• Gloss Sticker

• Standard Gloss Card Stocks and Letter Papers

🌙 Satin Finish: Soft Sheen, Minimal Glare

Best for: Invitations, marketing materials, illustrations, or designs with both images and text.

Satin (also called matte coated) offers a nice middle ground. It has a subtle sheen that enhances colors without the full shine of a glossy finish. It’s smooth to the touch and has a more elegant, refined look.

Pros:

• Reduced glare compared to glossy

• Easier to write on than gloss (though still not ideal for all pens)

• Looks polished without being too flashy

Things to Consider:

• Slight sheen may still reflect light

• Less vibrant than glossy but more than uncoated

Satin papers at CatPrint include:

• Extra Heavy Card Stock - Linen

• Heavy Card Stock - Shimmer

• Standard Satin Card Stocks and Letter Papers

📝 Uncoated Finish: Soft, Natural, and Writable

Best for: Stationery, forms, art prints, wedding invitations, or anything you want to write on.

Uncoated paper has no coating at all, giving it a natural texture and a warm, muted look. It absorbs ink more readily, making it perfect for printing that feels more traditional or handmade.

Pros:

• Easy to write on with any pen or pencil

• Softer, more tactile feel

• Ideal for minimalist or rustic designs

Things to Consider:

• Colors appear softer and slightly muted

• Ink may absorb differently, especially with heavy coverage

Popular uncoated options at CatPrint include:

• Ultra Card Stock

• Heavy Card Stock - Cotton

• Heavy Card Stock - Recycled

• Heavy Card Stock - Felt

• Standard Uncoated (Plain) Card Stocks and Letter Papers

🎯 So, Which Finish Should You Choose?

Finish	Best For	Key Benefits
Glossy	Photos, bold artwork, promotional prints	Bright colors, polished look
Satin	Invitations, portfolios, balanced designs	Subtle sheen, professional feel
Uncoated	Wedding suites, notes, fine art, eco-conscious prints	Writable, warm and natural

📦 Want to See It Before You Commit?

You can always request a hard copy proof to see exactly how your design looks on your selected finish. Or order a free sample packet to explore all our paper options in person before placing a larger order.

Questions? Contact the experts.

Our customer service team is made up of real humans who are happy to help. If you have questions about paper finishes, color output, or how to get the best results from your file, just reach out via phone, email, or live chat. Choosing the right paper finish can elevate your project from good to unforgettable—and at CatPrint, we’re here to make sure you love how your prints look and feel.