Glossy VS Matte labels——How To Choose The Best Type Of Label For You?

As labels are widely used in various industries, companies' requirements for labels are also constantly increasing. Whether it is the glue used for labels, the choice of materials, or the surface treatment process, companies hope that labels can not only meet their aesthetic needs, but also have higher durability and functionality. Today we’ll talk about the different types of label surface treatments and their pros and cons to help you make more informed decisions when designing and selecting labels.

Matte labels are labels with a specially treated surface that are matte and low-reflective. The label's non-reflective surface provides a soft, calm appearance, reduces glare, provides a high-end feel, is fingerprint-resistant and highly durable. This type of label is suitable for products or brands that need to convey a high-end, professional or elegant image.

Label glossy are labels with high-gloss treatment on the surface. They have a smooth and shiny appearance, which can effectively reflect light and enhance the saturation and vividness of colors, making the product more visually eye-catching. Glossy label paper not only enhance the overall texture of the product, but also have certain waterproof and anti-fouling functions, allowing them to maintain a good appearance in humid or oily environments. Glossy label stickers are ideal for products that need to stand out on the shelf.

Appearance: Matte paper labels is soft and non-reflective; label glossy paper is shiny and vibrant.

Texture: Label matte has a smooth, elegant, satin-like feel; glossy label is smooth and polished.

Durability: Matte label sticker are more durable at resisting fingerprints, scratches, and staying neat, while glossy inkjet labels are better at resisting water, moisture, and keeping colors bright.

1. Legibility: The surface of the matte product labels do not produce reflected light, so it can significantly reduce the impact of glare and remain clearly visible even under bright light. It is especially suitable for displaying detailed text or patterns, improving the label. legibility and practicality.

2. Scratch resistance: Matte sticker labels have good scratch resistance, the surface is not easily scratched, and can maintain a good appearance during long-term use.

3. Anti-fingerprints and stains: The matte surface is not easy to leave fingerprints or stains, and can remain neat and beautiful even with frequent contact. It is suitable for product packaging or labels that require frequent contact.

4. High-end texture: The matte finish label surface presents a soft, satin-like texture, giving people a low-key and elegant feeling, suitable for conveying high-end, professional or classic brand images.

5. Writing adaptability: Due to its smooth and non-reflective surface, matte paper product labels are compatible with various writing tools, such as pens and pencils, ensuring clear and smooth writing.

6. Printing compatibility: Since there is no thick and shiny coating, matte paper is highly adaptable when it comes to printing and is suitable for inkjet and laser printers.

1. Weak color expression: The surface of matte finish labels do not reflect light, so the saturation and vividness of colors are usually not as prominent as glossy labels. For some products that require strong visual impact, matt self adhesive labels may appear a bit bland.

2. Easy to fade: Since there is no glossy protective layer on the surface of matte inkjet paper labels, long-term exposure to sunlight or outdoor environments may cause the color to fade, especially in places with strong ultraviolet rays.

3. Not waterproof: Matte label stickers are generally not as waterproof as glossy labels, are easily affected by moisture or liquids, and may not perform well in humid environments.

1. Bright colors: Printable glossy labels have a smooth and reflective surface, which can enhance the saturation and vividness of colors, making printed patterns and text more visually impactful. They are especially suitable for product packaging that needs to attract attention.

2. Strong waterproofing: Glossy waterproof labels have good waterproof and moisture-proof properties and can maintain good appearance and function in humid environments. They are suitable for occasions that need to resist liquid intrusion.

3. Easy to clean: Due to the smooth surface, glossy inkjet label paper are not easy to accumulate dust and dirt, and they only need to be wiped gently when cleaning to keep them tidy.

4. Good durability: Glossy printed labels are excellent in anti-scratch and anti-stain, and can remain smooth and new during long-term use, extending the service life of the label.

1. Easy to leave fingerprints and smudges: Due to the smooth and reflective surface, glossy adhesive labels are easy to leave fingerprints and smudges after touching, which may affect the neatness of their appearance.

2. Glare problem: The high reflectivity of glossy product labels may produce glare under bright light, making the text or patterns on the labels difficult to read, making them unsuitable for use in bright light or outdoor environments.

3. Unsuitable for writing: Glossy printable labels have a smooth surface, ordinary pens , pencils or markers are not easy to write on them, you may need to use special writing tools.

4. Higher cost: Glossy sticker label paper usually need special coating treatment, so the cost may be higher than matte labels, especially in mass production.

1. High-end product packaging: Due to its low-key and elegant texture, matte paper roll labels are often used in the packaging of luxury goods, handicrafts and high-end electronic products, and can convey a simple and classic brand image.

2. Food and beverage packaging: Matte label roll does not reflect light, reducing glare problems and therefore provide better readability on food and beverage packaging. They are especially suitable for labels with a large amount of text descriptions.

3. Stationery and office supplies: The matte roll labels surface is suitable for writing and easy to mark with pens, pencils or markers, so it is often used on office supplies such as folders, portfolios, book covers, etc.

4. Liquor and perfume: The soft texture of matte finish adhesive labels match the image of luxury very well, and is suitable for use on high-end wines, perfume bottles and other products that need to convey delicacy and elegance.

5. Display situations with complex ambient light: In display situations where the impact of reflection needs to be avoided, such as museum exhibit labels and artwork labels,white matte labels can provide clear and easy-to-read labels due to their non-reflective properties.

1. Retail and promotion: Glossy paper labels are widely used in retail product labels and promotional activities because of their bright colors and strong visual impact, helping products attract consumers' attention on the shelves.

2. Cosmetics and personal care products: Waterproof glossy labelsadd luster and modernity to cosmetics and personal care products, showing the high-end texture of the product and enhancing the brand image.

3. Advertising and promotional materials: China glossy inkjet labels are used in advertising and promotional materials, such as leaflets, posters and exhibition displays, etc., which can present bright colors and delicate patterns to enhance visual effects and information transmission.

Choosing the appropriate label surface treatment is mainly based on the following aspects:

1. Product type and brand image: If your product needs to convey a high-end, elegant or professional image, matte labels are usually a better choice; while if you want to highlight the color and gloss of the product,glossy printing labels are more Suitable.

2. Visual effect: If you want the label to have a strong visual impact and attract consumers' attention on the shelf, glossy label printing paper will be more attractive because of their bright colors and gloss; matte paper labels are suitable Conveys a low-key, restrained visual effect, which is more suitable for classic or retro-style products.

3. Target market: Based on understanding what kind of visual effects and textures the consumer groups in the target market prefer.

4. Cost factors: Glossy labels paper usually require more complex coating treatments and may cost more, so budget factors need to be considered when choosing.

Conclusion: Whether it is matte or glossy labels, they each have unique advantages and can meet the needs of different products and markets. The key to choosing the appropriate label surface treatment is to combine product positioning, use environment and target market preferences to ensure that the final effect matches the brand image and functional requirements.