Poster Paper Types Explained

Poster Paper Types Explained (Matte vs Satin vs Gloss)

When selling posters online — especially through print-on-demand — understanding paper types is crucial. The paper finish affects the look, feel, and perceived quality of your artwork, and choosing the right one can make a big difference in how customers experience your product.

Thankfully, there are only a few paper finishes you need to know about: matte, satin, and gloss.

And with PrintShrimp, you can order any of these three finishes at the exact same price, across all fulfilment regions.

Let’s break each one down simply and clearly.

🧻 The 3 Main Poster Paper Types

Most poster printers — including PrintShrimp — offer:

• Matte
• Satin
• Gloss

Each has a different appearance and is better suited for certain types of artwork.

✨ 1. Matte Paper (Customer Favourite, Soft Finish)

Matte paper has:

• No shine
• Minimal reflections
• A smooth, soft finish

It’s modern, stylish, and works extremely well with framed prints. Most sellers choose matte as their default because it photographs beautifully for mockups and looks premium on the wall.

Best for:

• Minimalist prints
• Typography
• Abstract art
• Line drawings
• Botanical designs
• Vintage posters

Why customers love it:

• ✔ No glare near windows
• ✔ Soft, elegant look
• ✔ Looks amazing in frames
• ✔ Works with almost every art style

✨ 2. Satin Paper (Also Known as Lustre or Semi-Gloss)

Satin sits between matte and gloss — a gentle sheen without being shiny.

What it looks like:

• Slight shine
• Richer colours than matte
• Smooth with subtle depth
• Not overly reflective

Best for:

• Photography
• Landscapes
• Bright, colourful designs
• Illustrations where vibrancy matters

Why sellers choose it:

• ✔ Gives colours more “pop”
• ✔ Still avoids harsh reflections
• ✔ Great balance between matte softness and gloss vibrancy

✨ 3. Gloss Paper (Shiny, High-Impact Finish)

Gloss is the most reflective of the three and provides a very vibrant, polished look.

What it looks like:

• Strong shine
• Bold, rich colours
• Smooth, glossy surface

Best for:

• Pop art
• High-contrast designs
• Photography
• Vibrant abstract artwork

Why customers choose it:

• ✔ Super vibrant colours
• ✔ Sleek, magazine-style finish
• ✔ Great for bold designs that need impact

🖨 What Paper Types Does PrintShrimp Offer?

PrintShrimp offers Matte, Satin, and Gloss at:

• The same price
• In every region (UK, US, EU, CA, AUS)
• On thick, high-quality poster paper

There is no price difference between finishes, so you are free to choose whichever suits your artwork best.

📝 Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Matte	Satin	Gloss
Shine	None	Subtle	Strong
Colour Vibrancy	Good	Very Good	Excellent
Reflection	None	Low	High
Fingerprints	Minimal	Moderate	Shows easily
Best For	Most designs	Photography / vibrant art	Bold, shiny styles
Frames	Excellent	Excellent	Good but reflective

📌 Which Should You Choose for Your Etsy Shop?

If you're unsure:

⭐ Matte is the safest all-round choice
Works with nearly all designs and looks clean in photos.

⭐ Satin is perfect for vibrant or photographic artwork
Gives richer colours without the shine of gloss.

⭐ Gloss is great for bold, colourful, high-impact art
Best for niche designs where shine enhances the look.