Gloss vs Matte vs Textured Finishes: Choosing the Right Finish for Your Signage

Gloss Finishes

Gloss films and laminates have a smooth, shiny surface that reflects light. They deliver vibrant colours, deep contrast and a polished appearance, making them the most eye-catching finish for many applications.

Advantages of Gloss

• High colour vibrancy — colours appear richer and more saturated

• Strong contrast — ideal for bold branding

• Easy to clean — fingerprints and smudges wipe away easily

• Premium look — especially for illuminated or high-impact signage

Best Uses

• Exterior shopfronts and ACM panel signs

• Retail displays and promotional signage

• Vehicle graphics and partial wraps

• Window graphics needing bold, attention-grabbing visuals

Considerations

• Reflective glare in direct sunlight or under spotlights

• Shows minor surface imperfections more clearly

• Fingerprints can be more visible on darker colours

Gloss is the best choice when maximum visual punch is the priority.

Matte Finishes

Matte films diffuse light instead of reflecting it, creating a soft, sophisticated, low-glare finish. Matte is ideal for signage viewed up close or in brightly lit environments.

Advantages of Matte

• Low glare — excellent for readability

• Professional, refined look — perfect for interior branding

• Better visibility in sunlight — no reflections blocking text

• Reduces the appearance of fingerprints

Best Uses

• Wall graphics, interior branding and office feature walls

• Reception signage and point-of-sale displays

• Wayfinding signs

• Window frosting alternatives

• Retail interiors with strong artificial lighting

Considerations

• Colours can appear slightly muted compared to gloss

• Matte surfaces may mark more easily if unlaminated

• Not always ideal for vibrant exterior branding

Matte is the right choice where readability and a premium aesthetic matter most.

Textured & Specialty Finishes

Textured films include sandblast, brushed, carbon fibre, etched, leather-grain and other specialty patterns. These provide both visual depth and tactile interest. See more about film types in Vinyl Types for Signage.

Advantages of Textured Films

• Unique visual character

• Adds physical depth to flat surfaces

• Hides imperfections on walls or panels

• Excellent grip and durability in high-contact areas

• Architectural appearance for offices and showrooms

Best Uses

• Interior feature walls

• Architectural window films (etched, dusted, frosted)

• Retail displays needing a tactile element

• Exhibitions and temporary environments

• High-wear surfaces where hiding marks is useful

Considerations

• Can reduce colour clarity if printed on

• More expensive than standard gloss/matte

• Not always suitable for detailed printed graphics

• Some textures are difficult to clean

Textured films are best where design, ambiance and tactility matter more than pure image sharpness.

Choosing the Right Finish for Your Situation

1. For Outdoor Shopfronts

Choose:

• Gloss for maximum impact

• Matte if glare from the street is a problem

• Textured only for architectural/feature panels

2. For Interior Offices

Choose:

• Matte for low glare and polished professionalism

• Textured for premium feature walls or an etched-glass look

3. For Vehicle Graphics

Choose:

• Gloss for the most vibrant colours and easy cleaning

• Matte for full wraps where a stealth or premium look is desired

Avoid textured films unless it’s a design statement.

4. For Windows

Choose:

• Gloss when printed graphics need clarity and colour

• Matte or textured (etched) for privacy or branding without high reflectivity

5. For Wall Graphics

Choose:

• Matte almost always — it improves readability and avoids light bounce

• Textured only for decorative, non-printed architectural effects

6. For Retail Interiors

Choose:

• Matte for merchandise areas

• Gloss for high-energy promotional areas

• Textured for premium finishes or feature zones

Durability & Maintenance Differences

Gloss

• Easiest to clean

• Holds colour longest outdoors

• More visible scratches/glare

Matte

• Softer, but less visible scratching

• Can mark if unlaminated

• Best for interior viewing comfort

Textured

• Very durable depending on the film

• Hides marks well

• Requires specific cleaning methods

Finish & Lighting Interaction

This matters more than most people realise.

Under Strong Sunlight

• Gloss = glare

• Matte = best readability

• Textured = soft diffusion

Under Fluorescent Retail Lighting

• Gloss = punchy but reflective

• Matte = ideal

• Textured = premium, architectural

Under Spotlights

• Gloss = visible hotspots

• Matte = smooth and consistent

• Textured = dramatic shadows and depth

Your finish choice should always consider the lighting conditions where the sign will live. For further detail on colour behaviour under different lighting, see Colour Matching & Print Accuracy.

Summary

Gloss, matte and textured films each have strengths depending on the environment, lighting, branding goals and viewing distance. Gloss provides bold visual impact, matte offers professional readability and textured films deliver premium decorative effects.

The right finish ensures your signage not only looks good on day one, but performs well for years in real NZ conditions.

See more guides in the resource hub