Choosing the right finish for wide-format printing can transform the quality of your project. Whether you’re making banners, posters, or technical drawings, the finish you select determines the functionality and visual appeal of your project. Below, we’ll walk you through twelve different types of finishes in wide-format printing, explaining how each impacts the final result.
Why the Right Finish Matters
The finish is about more than just aesthetics; it also affects how the print will be used, how long any colors on it last, and how well the whole thing holds up in its specific environment. For example, a high-gloss finish may look vibrant, but it might not be the best option for outdoor signage prone to glare. By understanding these finishes, you’ll have the tools to make a better decision for any project.
1. Glossy Finish
A glossy finish is designed to make colors pop, resulting in an eye-catching print. This finish reflects light, creating a sheen that’s perfect for indoor posters, promotional signage, or marketing materials displayed under controlled lighting. The downside is potential glare, which can be distracting in highly lit environments. Glossy finishes can also show fingerprints and smudges, so they are best used for items that won’t be touched often.
Use It For:
- High-impact marketing visuals
- Product photos
2. Matte Finish
For a more muted and professional appearance, matte finishes are a great choice. They reduce glare and make it easier to read text, making them ideal for technical drawings, architectural plans, and displays with subdued aesthetics. Matte finishes don’t reflect light, making them easy to view from any angle. Unlike glossy finishes, they won’t highlight imperfections or smudges.
Use It For:
- Presentation graphics
- Educational posters
- Blueprints or CAD drawings
3. Satin Finish
As a mix between matte and glossy, satin finishes offer a soft sheen without the highly reflective properties of gloss. They’re an excellent option for projects that need a polished look without glare. Satin combines the vibrancy of gloss with the readability of matte, providing a balance for various applications.
Use It For:
- Promotional materials placed in bright spaces
- Outdoor banners
4. Ultravliolet (UV) Coating
UV coating applies a layer cured with ultraviolet light, enhancing durability and reducing the risk of scratches, wear, and tear. The result is a polished surface with an elegant, high-quality finish. It makes printed materials more robust, extending their lifespan and maintaining their visual appeal.
UV coating is effective for creating banners designed to withstand exposure to sunlight without degrading. Whether it’s for promotional materials, storefront displays, or long-term outdoor advertisements, UV coating ensures your prints look professional for longer.
Use It For:
- Outdoor signage that needs to endure harsh weather conditions
- High-traffic environments where materials are frequently handled or exposed to potential damage
5. Lamination
Lamination is one of the most durable finishes available. It involves adding a clear plastic layer over a print to protect it from damage caused by moisture, dirt, and handling. Types of lamination include gloss for a bright, vibrant appearance and matte for a nonreflective, subtle look. Adding lamination to prints on plotter printer paper helps protect the material from damage.
Use It For:
- Menus
- Roll-up banners
- Outdoor prints
6. Anti-Graffiti Coating
This finish is developed to protect prints in public spaces from vandalism. Anti-graffiti coatings allow spray paint or permanent markers to be removed from a print without damaging the design.
Use It For:
- Transit advertising
- Posters
7. Textured Finish
Textured finishes are excellent for adding dimension to an otherwise flat design. Textured finishes mimic surfaces such as linen or canvas, producing a tactile quality perfect for creative projects. Whether it’s replicating a painting or enhancing visual depth, this option stands out for its unique look.
Use It For:
- Fine art reproductions
- Custom wall murals
8. Dry-Erase Finish
With dry-erase finishes, you get functionality along with aesthetics. You can transform your printed materials into reusable writing surfaces with a dry erase coating. This finish is ideal for creating collaborative tools such as whiteboards or calendars.
Use It For:
- Office interiors
- Educational materials
9. Anti-Scratch Coating
When prints are subject to heavy handling or movement, an anti-scratch coating can help. This protective layer is especially useful for tradeshow materials and pop-up displays. Rugged and durable, anti-scratch coatings make your project look as good on day thirty as it did on day one.
Use It For:
- Pop-up booth graphics
- Portable sales materials
10. Foil Enhancements
Foil finishes add a metallic shine to specific parts of a print, such as logos or highlights in the design. This standout feature is perfect for luxury branding or marketing pieces.
Use It For:
- Invitations
- Certificates
- High-end brochures
11. Soft-Touch Finish
Soft-touch finishes create a velvety texture that exudes sophistication, making any item feel premium. This matte-like coating also adds a tactile component. By incorporating this finish into your design, you create a memorable, sensory experience for your audience.
Soft touch finishes are perfect for brands looking to stand out and connect with their audience through sensory appeal, ensuring your materials are remembered long after the first interaction.
Use It For:
- Packaging
- Premium business cards
12. Vinyl Coating
Vinyl finishes are a must for projects that need to withstand exposure to the elements. Vehicle wraps, outdoor banners, or any print that faces harsh weather are prime candidates for vinyl. This waterproof and durable finish protects your designs, no matter the season or environment. Vinyl coatings are the perfect balance of flexibility and protection, making them an ideal choice for large-scale outdoor prints.
Use It For:
- Automotive wraps that endure constant movement and varying weather
- Weather-resistant signage
Selecting the right finish for your print project can make all the difference. With twelve different types of finishes in wide-format printing available—ranging from glossy to matte, textured to lamination—each one serves a unique purpose. Whether you’re aiming to enhance durability, improve readability, or achieve a specific aesthetic effect, knowing your options helps bring your creative vision to life.
When working with plotter printer paper, consider how the finish interacts with the base material to fully optimize your design. And if you’re still unsure which finish best suits your project, contact Plotter Paper Guys, and we can guide you in finding the right materials.
