Matte vs. Glossy Finishing: Which One Best Suits Your Brand?

Matte vs Glossy Finishing - INNORHINO
Different kinds of finishing touches generate different kinds of emotional responses in the psyche of your customers as they hold your product in their hands for the first time.

What would you prefer for your brand’s packaging design – matte finishing or glossy finishing? If your answer to this question is something like this – “Who cares! It doesn’t sound all that important to me!”, you are underestimating the power of an extremely potent branding tool.

Lamination of the packaging gives it its final touches, making it ready to be put into the hands of your customers. It makes the colors of the packaging design ‘pop’ in a very specific way that complements the artwork and texture of the design. Also, different kinds of finishing touches generate different kinds of emotional responses in the psyche of your customers as they hold your product in their hands for the first time. And this can greatly influence how your customers perceive the brand value of your products.

On the other hand, making a wrong decision regarding the choice of lamination can even ruin the advantages of using an otherwise beautiful packaging design. So, how to go about this whole thing? Allow us to help you out with this.

Here’s everything you need to know about matte and glossy finishings and how to decide which one is perfect for your products’ packaging needs.

What is Matte Finishing?

Matte Lamination - INNORHINO

The easiest way to recognize a matte finish is to notice how light is reflecting off its surface. Matte lamination tends to reflect very little (to no) light, making the surface look blurred out and understated. It underplays the colors, making them appear more muted or subtle-looking. The texture of the matte surface finish feels soft and cushiony.

Benefits of Matte Finishing:

  • Elegant & Subtle – Offers a refined and upscale look, perfect for luxury brands.
  • Reduces Glare – Ideal for readability and professional branding.
  • Hides Fingerprints & Scratches – Helps maintain a clean, polished appearance.
  • Perfect for Writing – Great for brands that incorporate handwritten notes or personal touches.

What is Glossy Finishing?

Glossy Lamination - INNORHINO

Contrary to matte lamination, glossy finishing has a shiny, lustrous quality to it. It bounces an ample amount of light off its surface, making the colors look vibrant and animated. Glossy finishing is more flamboyant as compared to matte finishing so it draws the attention of the onlookers much more easily. However, this same quality can be perceived as flashy or showy, if presented in front of the wrong set audience.

Benefits of Glossy Finishing:

  • Bold & Vivid – Amplifies colors and enhances contrast for a striking look.
  • Durability – Provides added protection against scratches, smudges, and dust.
  • Youthful & Energetic – Often associated with modern, playful, or high-energy brands.
  • Easy to Clean – Repels dust and dirt, keeping packaging looking fresh.

Choosing Between Matte and Glossy: What Works Best for You?

Which of these finishing touches is best suitable for your product packaging entirely depends on the nature of the product, how you are planning to market it, and the kind of brand identity you want to create.

Your choice of finish should align with your brand identity, target audience, and product type. Here’s how to decide:

Matte is best for:

  • Premium, luxury, or high-end brands
  • Products that require a subtle, elegant look
  • Readable or text-heavy packaging
  • Writing on the packaging surface

Glossy is ideal for:

  • Brands targeting younger, trendier audiences
  • Packaging that includes bold imagery and high-contrast colors
  • Products needing extra durability and protection
  • Visually striking and high-energy brand aesthetics
Glossy & Matte Rigid Box - INNORHINO

Since matte finishing looks soft, subdued, and sophisticated it is often prioritized by a number of luxury brands. It is also a better option to choose if you or your customers intend to write a note or something similar to that over the surface of the packaging itself. Compared to glossy finishing, writing a handwritten note over a matte surface is much easier and looks a lot more elegant.

Glossy finishing is usually preferred by brands with a younger target audience. It gives a more striking look since it produces crisp, high-contrast lines and colors. If you are using an image as a part of your packaging design, go for a glossy finish.

Glossy finishing is also considered to be safer and more durable. It can easily protect the packaging against minor scratches and smudges. It tends to repel dust & dirt and is also easier to clean. Matte finishing is also sturdy but not as sturdy as glossy lamination. Also, matte finishing is usually more expensive than glossy finishing.

We hope all these pros and cons will allow you to make an informed decision regarding which type of finishing is more suitable for your brand. If you are still not sure, consult your brand manager, or feel free to talk with our packaging experts.

Not Sure Which Finish to Choose? We Can Help!

At INNORHINO, we specialize in innovative packaging solutions designed to elevate your brand. Whether you’re looking for a sleek, high-gloss design or a refined matte finish, our team of packaging experts, designers, and engineersis here to assist you.

Get in touch with us today to create packaging that truly stands out! Email us at inquiry@innorhino.com to start your journey toward stunning and effective packaging solutions.

Check our Instagram for more packaging ideas, inspirations, and insights!

Share this post on:

Picture of <b>INNORHINO |</b>  <small>Taipei, Shenzhen, Ho Chi Minh City, Los Angeles </small>

INNORHINO | Taipei, Shenzhen, Ho Chi Minh City, Los Angeles

--
One-stop custom packaging supplier with global locations. Our goal is to help entrepreneurs thrive in a competitive environment with tailored packaging solutions.

Boxes・Bags・Containers・Labels・CR Packaging・Sustainable Packaging

Get in touch

Our team of in-house designers andexperts can help you create solutions that bring unique experiences to your users, buildbrand loyalty and promote your products.

Whether you need advice, a quote, or just want to chat about your packaging needs, we’re here for you.

Horizontal Pattern-Color-8
[BOXES] Rigid box, folding carton, corrugated box, etc.
[CONTAINERS]
Jar, vial, bottle, tin case, etc.
[BAGS]
Paper bag, mylar bag, woven bag, etc.
[OTHER]
Please describe your packaging ideas in the message section below.
eg. https://innorhino.com/
Describe your packaging ideas, such as preferred materials, finishes, quantity, product name, product ID, or referral URLs.

INNORHINO DESIGN

Room 1, 10F, No. 289, Sec. 4, Zhongxiao East Road, Da-An District, Taipei, Taiwan (106)
INNORHINO Paper Sample Book

Paper Sample
Book

Horizontal Pattern-Color-8
Feel free to share any packaging ideas with us in the message section below.
Feel free to share any packaging ideas with us.

INNORHINO DESIGN

Room 1, 10F, No. 289, Sec. 4, Zhongxiao East Road, Da-An District, Taipei, Taiwan (106)

Start Your Inquiry

Our team of in-house designers andexperts can help you create solutions that bring unique experiences to your users, buildbrand loyalty and promote your products.

Whether you need advice, a quote, or just want to chat about your packaging needs, we’re here for you.

Horizontal Pattern-Color-8
[BOXES] Rigid box, folding carton, corrugated box, etc.
[CONTAINERS]
Jar, vial, bottle, tin case, etc.
[BAGS]
Paper bag, mylar bag, woven bag, etc.
[OTHER]
Please describe your packaging ideas in the message section below.
eg. https://innorhino.com/
Describe your packaging ideas, such as preferred materials, finishes, quantity, product name, product ID, or referral URLs.

INNORHINO DESIGN

Room 1, 10F, No. 289, Sec. 4, Zhongxiao East Road, Da-An District, Taipei, Taiwan (106)

Start Your Inquiry

Our team of in-house designers andexperts can help you create solutions that bring unique experiences to your users, buildbrand loyalty and promote your products.

Whether you need advice, a quote, or just want to chat about your packaging needs, we’re here for you.

Horizontal Pattern-Color-8
[BOXES] Rigid box, folding carton, corrugated box, etc.
[CONTAINERS]
Jar, vial, bottle, tin case, etc.
[BAGS]
Paper bag, mylar bag, woven bag, etc.
[OTHER]
Please describe your packaging ideas in the message section below.
eg. https://innorhino.com/
Describe your packaging ideas, such as preferred materials, finishes, quantity, product name, product ID, or referral URLs.

INNORHINO DESIGN

Room 1, 10F, No. 289, Sec. 4, Zhongxiao East Road, Da-An District, Taipei, Taiwan (106)

Start Your Inquiry

Our team of in-house designers andexperts can help you create solutions that bring unique experiences to your users, buildbrand loyalty and promote your products.

Whether you need advice, a quote, or just want to chat about your packaging needs, we’re here for you.

Horizontal Pattern-Color-8
[BOXES] Rigid box, folding carton, corrugated box, etc.
[CONTAINERS]
Jar, vial, bottle, tin case, etc.
[BAGS]
Paper bag, mylar bag, woven bag, etc.
[OTHER]
Please describe your packaging ideas in the message section below.
eg. https://innorhino.com/
Describe your packaging ideas, such as preferred materials, finishes, quantity, product name, product ID, or referral URLs.

INNORHINO DESIGN

Room 1, 10F, No. 289, Sec. 4, Zhongxiao East Road, Da-An District, Taipei, Taiwan (106)

Need a Quote?

Leave your information and our packaging expert will get back to you soon.

Packaging or product dimension, design, material, special finishing treatments, add-on parts, etc.
The more you share with us about your product/ packaging, the fast we can assist you with your request.

Get a Quote for CR Tin Box

Leave your information and our packaging expert will get back to you soon.

Packaging or product dimension, design, material, special finishing treatments, add-on parts, etc.
The more you share with us about your product/ packaging, the fast we can assist you with your request.

CR Test Report Request

Leave your contact info here to download the CR test report.

CR Test Report Request

Leave your contact info here to download the CR test report.

Luxury Cannabis Solution Pack

Request

With more than 1000+ products to choose from, our team of in-house designers and experts can help you create solutions that bring unique experiences to your users, build brand loyalty and promote your products. 
 
Please fill out the request form below and we will send our luxury packaging pack selection for cannabis to you soon!

Inquiry

With more than 1000+ products to choose from, our team of in-house designers and experts can help you create solutions that bring unique experiences to your users, build brand loyalty and promote your products. 
 
Please fill up the inquiry form below and tell us more about your brand, your products, and the goals you want to achieve. Or you can contact us through email at inquiry@innorhino.com
City, Country