Key Questions to Ask When Ordering Matt Film

More goes into building a frame than just choosing your frame. You might be dead set on Certificate Silver—oh la la!—and then when you enter our Designer and need to choose your Mat Style, you get stuck. To mat...or not to mat?

With competitive price and timely delivery, GT New Material sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

There's not necessarily always a right or wrong answer. Whether to frame your piece full bleed or with a mat is often about your personal preference. But to help guide you along, we broke down a few handy questions you should ask yourself every time you have to decide what (besides a gorgeous custom frame, of course) will surround your artwork.

1. What's the size of your piece?

For small pieces, a mat adds oomph, helping to give tiny masterpieces the wall space they deserve. Larger artworks and pieces that have a built-in border might look great framed full bleed (meaning the artwork goes all the way to the frame's edge). That's not to say that a mat won't work for larger pieces as well, but we may recommend a narrower mat in proportion to the artwork. Remember, our shop can always help advise on the ideal mat size for any piece of custom framed artwork.

Adding mats paired with our White Gallery Frames to these pieces from Linda Colletta gives the pieces' bright colors breathing room, while simultaneously providing a clean border that boosts the impact of small-scale artworks.

Drowning Princess from Jvdas Berra, available at These Fine Walls, is a large-scale photograph reads almost like a painting when framed full bleed in our Gallery Frame in Luxe Gold.

For this large-scale photograph by KT Merry, a thin mat is exactly what's needed to set the artwork apart from our Vintage Gold Heritage Frame.

2. What medium is your piece?

For original paintings, works on paper and custom framed textiles, floating is usually our number one recommendation. First, we attach your art to an acid-free foam core lift, hidden behind the work but mounted to a supporting white mat. Second, we use a spacer to create space between the plexiglass and the surface of your work.

Like a mat, floating gives the piece some space. It also ensures separation between the plexiglass and the original work and reveals the outside border of the artwork, which looks lovely if the paper's edges have an interesting texture. If your piece has a border, a single mat with reveal (a small amount of room between where the artwork ends and the mat begins) is also a great way to elevate your matting style and add a small touch of elegance. If your piece is signed, this is the recommended way to go.

An original piece of artwork by The Cartorialist is perfect floated in our White Gallery Frame in this stunning space that interior designer Sarah Sherman Samuel created for Palm Beach Modernism Week.

Textiles look best sewn and floated on a linen mat, like this pink Otomi fabric we framed in our White Gallery Frame Deep for Liz Libre's Brooklyn apartment.

This high-contrast photo from Permanent Press Editions is matted with a reveal in our Gallery Frame in Dark Walnut, and we love to how the illusion of multiple layers mirrors the photograph itself.

What other mediums might determine your mat and framing style? Well, for large custom framed concert posters or movie posters, we usually recommend the straightforward look of a full-bleed custom frame job. And for important documents and press clippings, we recommend a mat.

A custom-cut mat and our White Gallery Frame are all it takes to make your finest press clippings to shine.

Framing a photograph? A mat can really make your photo pop and complement the flat nature of the medium. Personal photographs or smaller scale pics seem to transcend from casual snapshots to the realm of fine art with the addition of a mat. And for very large-scale and more atmospheric photographs, such as landscapes, framing full bleed can look fab.

Personal photos framed as part of a gallery wall from Angela Elias of POPSUGAR become much more elevated with the addition of a mat. We also adore how Angela mixed our Gallery Frame in Black, our White Gallery Frame and our Certificate Frame in Antique Silver.

But...when it comes to personal photos, mats aren't a given. Photographer Max Wanger created his gallery wall of family photos using all full-bleed black and white images in our Natural Gallery Frames.

A large-scale aerial photograph by Ryan Longnecker looks fabulous framed full bleed in our White Gallery Frame. Photograph by Eva Black.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Matt Film.

3. Where will you piece hang, and with what other pieces?

We like to frame pieces in a timeless way, so they can be easily moved from one wall, room, or home to another. That's why we only offer mats in varying shades of white (our shop will always choose the mat that best matches your artwork). But it's still worth considering where and how you will hang your art when deciding whether to add a mat or not. We think gallery walls can be super successful when they incorporate a mixture of matted, floated and full-bleed framing styles.

Artist Teil Duncan demonstrates how a range of custom frame styles—matting, floating and full bleed—can all hang together on one gallery wall.

A mixture of our White and Natural Gallery Frames—and matted and full-bleed framing styles—from our friends at Loft Creative.

Finally, be sure to always consider the fact that a mat will add to the final dimensions of your finished piece (so if you're artwork is 11x14", you final framed piece with a mat could be around 17x20", depending on your mat size) and make sure that the space in which you are hanging your artwork can accommodate the size increase.

4. What's your instinct?

Hopefully, you love and care about the piece you're custom framing with us. Usually, we all have some instincts about how we think it will look best on our wall and in our life, and whether adding the extra space around the image that a mat provides is a good move. And if you don't have a clue—no worries. We're here to help!

In the vibrant world of printing, choosing the right kind of paper finish can significantly influence the visual appeal and longevity of your project. In this space, the conversation between matte vs glossy takes center stage, as both bring to the table a singular range of qualities that address different aesthetic preferences and project needs. This guide serves to help you navigate this choice, ensuring your finished project is a tangible reflection of your intended message. When in doubt, remember to trust PrintingCenterUSA for fast, easy, and reliable catalog printing with a free file review!

Understanding the Basics: Matte Finish vs Glossy

When it comes to crafting the perfect printed materials, your choice between matte and glossy paper is pivotal. It’s important to note that both matte and glossy finishes are categorized as coated papers, each offering their unique qualities. Let’s explore the defining characteristics of both to help you make an informed decision for your next project.

Glossy Finish

• Visual Appeal: Offers vibrant and sharp images, making the colors pop and creating a visually arresting appeal.
• Texture: Characterized by a smooth, almost slippery surface, it gives your prints a modern and sleek look.
• Durability: Known to resist scratches and marks to a significant extent, promising a lasting shine and vibrancy.

Matte Finish

• Visual Appeal: Features a soft, sophisticated, and understated aesthetic, with an ability to absorb more light and reduce glare.
• Texture: Contrary to popular belief, matte is not flat; it is often referred to as satin and is a coated stock, offering a textured and tactile feel that is less prone to fingerprints, making it ideal for prints that are handled frequently. The only true flat paper is uncoated, which we also offer for those seeking a more raw and authentic texture.
• Durability: Although not as resistant to scratches as glossy prints, they embody a timeless appeal, gracefully aging over time.

A Closer Look: Matte vs Glossy Prints

To make an informed decision in your choice of matte or glossy prints, it’s essential to address several critical questions that are commonly raised by users.

Is Matte or Glossy Better?

The preference between matte and glossy often boils down to personal taste and the nature of the project at hand. Glossy finishes are often chosen for their vibrant and eye-catching appearance, making them suitable for promotional materials and photographs. In contrast, matte finishes excel in providing a classic and elegant visual narrative, often preferred for art prints and luxury catalogs.

Which Lasts Longer: Glossy or Matte?

While glossy prints have a reputation for resisting scratches and marks, hence having slightly better longevity, matte finishes are not far behind. They offer a timeless visual appeal that doesn’t diminish easily, standing firm against the ravages of time, especially when well cared for.

Does Matte or Glossy Look More Natural?

In the great debate of matte paper vs glossy, the perception of what appears more “natural” can be subjective. Glossy finishes amplify the vibrancy and sharpness of images, whereas matte finishes offer a subdued, more understated representation, making them suitable for portraying natural scenes and portraits.

Why Choose Glossy Over Matte?

Glossy finishes might be your choice when seeking a vibrant, modern, and sharp look for your images, especially for photo albums and brochures. It captures attention instantly, making it a popular choice for promotional materials.

Expert Tips: Should I Order Prints in Matte or Glossy?

The final decision hinges on personal preference and the specific requirements of your project. Here are a few scenarios where one might be more appropriate than the other:

• Photography Prints: Glossy finishes can accentuate vibrant colors and contrasts, offering a bold statement in photographic prints.
  
• Business Brochures & Catalogs: If aiming to grab attention swiftly, glossy is your go-to, whereas a matte finish conveys sophistication and luxury, ideal for high-end product catalogs.
  
• Art Prints: For art prints, a matte finish offers a deeper, more textured look, complementing artistic images harmoniously.
  
• Personal Use: When it comes to personal projects like scrapbooking, a matte finish might be more practical due to its resistance to fingerprints and smudges.
  

Customer Testimonials

Our customers often share their insights and experiences with us, offering a firsthand look into how both matte and glossy finishes resonate in real-world scenarios. Here’s what they had to say:

Glossy Paper Reviews:

• Jason: “I was very pleased with the high quality of my bookmarks! The paper and glossy look and feel was the perfect touch! Thank you!”
  
• David: “We did a trifold brochure with mailing. Paper quality was excellent! It was heavy, glossy and had an expensive feel to it. Great service and prices. My go-to printer.”
  
• Margaret: “We were absolutely thrilled with the quality of the book PrintingCenterUSA completed for us. The color photos are bright, the glossy text pages make for an easy-to-read experience, the quality of cover stock and page paper gives the assurance that the book will provide the reader with a delightful, exciting “page-turning” experience.”
  
• Layna: “I absolutely love these calendars. The quality is great! The gloss of the paper really makes the colors pop. I will definitely re-order when the time comes and would recommend ordering from PrintCenter USA. The process was fast and easy!”
  

Matte Paper Reviews:

• Patti: “Very pleased with the printed quality of our brochure from PrintingCenterUSA.com. The clarity of the registration, the ability to perfect bind, the quality of the upgraded matte interior paper and the feel of the soft touch varnish will really set this piece apart from a cheap online printer. As a professional graphic designer, I’ll definitely reorder and bring my other client work here.”
  
• Betsy: “We ordered mini photo booklets and they turned out better than expected, we love them! We used the matte paper and it is fantastic, the staff helped us with our color correction, layout, and timing. Excellent experience from first call to delivery – THANK YOU!”
  
• Melana: “I stumbled upon PrintingCenterUSA when looking for an affordable printer for our non-profit organization. I found the website to be well thought out, easy to use, and packed full of helpful tools to design and print our Membership Directory. I found it easy to use to develop estimates of various options. Ultimately I ordered the Directory from them. I received them a day or two earlier than I really expected, since I had opted to save money and took the slow printing and shipping option. And the end product is perfect! Exactly what I wanted. BTW- the staff there is great- very helpful. They reached out to me to double check I really wanted to use the paper I had selected (I chose 70 matte, but had a few pages where members could write ‘Notes’. I had tested the matte sample and could write on it easily so I stayed with it for the whole document). I confirmed that was really what I wanted and they were off & running. I will definitely use them again!”

Conclusion: Your Perfect Choice

In the complex decision-making process between matte vs glossy prints, considering the project’s nature, the target audience, and the intended message is crucial. Remember, with PrintingCenterUSA, you are always one step closer to achieving fast, easy, and reliable catalog printing with a free file review, tailoring the finish to accentuate your design perfectly.

Whether you lean towards glossy for its vivacity or matte for its timeless grace, your choice will resonate uniquely with your audience, offering a distinctive touch that aligns with your project goals and aesthetic inclinations.

In conclusion, the glossy vs matte prints battle has no clear winner, with both contenders offering their unique set of benefits. The true victor is your personal preference, guided by the project’s essence and your vision. Happy printing!

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