Matte Lamination
Here, we look at matte lamination, discuss its advantages, compare it with gloss lamination, and give examples of several of the most popular applications of matte laminate for common print projects.

What Is Matte Lamination?
Matte lamination is applying a layer of see-through matte surface plastic film to a paper sheet and fixing it under heat and pressure. We can apply laminates on both sides of a sheet or just one. Manufacturers make laminates in a variety of thicknesses, from fairly stiff right through to extremely thin. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is the most common material for the heavier laminates. They often make the lighter ones from Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA). PET is easily recyclable and, in fact, it's frequently manufactured from pre-existing recycled plastic products. It's considered as being among the most environmentally friendly plastics. EVA is only recycled in a few districts. But new biodegradable forms of EVA have recently been developed and are just being released into the market.
Matte laminates give a silky sheen to the printed surface of a paper sheet. While not as protective as alternatives such as gloss laminates, matte surfaces still provide a significant guard against wear-and-tear compared to a non-laminated surface. Aside from the practical value of matte lamination, it's often perceived as giving color print a more subtle effect and enhances the cover surface with an upmarket look and feel that can be a boon to several print products.
The Advantages of Matte Lamination
Matte lamination is neither the best nor the worst option compared to other laminates, such as gloss or soft-touch. You'll need to choose based on your specific product, market, and budget. Still, let's describe the chief advantages of matte lamination.
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The “silky” surface that matte lamination achieves enhances your printed materials and gives the page a soft, classy sheen.
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All lamination protects the surface of your print project, guarding it against water, scuffing, fingerprints, dirt, soiling, and other damage.
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Matte lamination is ideal for using with special finishes such as foil stamping, and spot UV coating, which stand out more on a matte background.
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If you're printing a book with a high page count or on thicker paper stock, matte lamination strengthens the spine and helps to stop it splitting.
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It's resistant to light spillages and you can wipe it clean with a dry cloth.
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Matte lamination extends the useful life of printed materials compared with unlaminated products.
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Mattes lamination lends your print a smart, high-class look.

Matte lamination with spot UV
These are just some of the benefits of matte lamination, making it an excellent option for a wide range of print projects, including softcover books, catalogs, board games, cards, custom paper boxes, and more. However, it’s not the only choice available. Let’s take a closer look at how it compares to another popular option: gloss lamination.
Matte Lamination vs Gloss Lamination
Both matte and gloss lamination offer protection for printed surfaces, helping to guard against wear and tear from repeated use. However, matte lamination is less resistant to moisture, scratches, and scuffs compared to its glossy counterpart. Despite this, the luxurious visual and tactile qualities of matte lamination often outweigh its milder protective capabilities, particularly when a high-end, sophisticated look is desired.
While gloss lamination is shiny and vibrant with a highly reflective finish that enhances colors and graphics, matte lamination creates a softer, muted effect with a smooth, silky sheen that is equally appealing to the touch and the eye. This understated elegance makes matte lamination an excellent choice for applications such as spot UV coating. The glossy effect of spot UV stands out dramatically against the non-reflective surface of matte lamination, creating a striking visual contrast that isn’t as effective on a glossy surface.
For projects that prioritize a refined, upscale aesthetic, matte lamination offers the perfect balance of style and practicality.

Gloss Lamination

Matte Lamination
The elegant qualities of matte lamination make it an excellent choice for high-end print materials that require a refined and sophisticated look. Unlike the bold, highly reflective finish of gloss lamination, matte offers a more subdued and classy appearance, ideal for projects where subtlety and elegance are key.
Matte lamination is particularly well-suited for materials where softer colors are desirable, such as illustrated books for older children, upscale product catalogs, luxury gift and cosmetics packaging, magazine interiors, and premium board games. It also provides durability, helping your materials maintain their quality despite repeated use.
When deciding between matte and gloss lamination, there’s no universal answer. The best choice depends on factors like your product type, target audience, market trends, budget, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. To help you decide, here are some of the most popular applications of matte lamination:
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Illustrated Books: Adds a gentle, sophisticated touch to books for older readers.
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Product Catalogs: Enhances luxury items by offering a soft, upscale feel.
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Packaging: Perfect for high-end gift boxes, cosmetics, and boutique packaging.
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Magazines: Gives interiors a sleek and professional finish.
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Board Games: Adds durability and a premium look to game boards and components.
Important Note
One critical consideration is that matte lamination can only be applied to paper thicker than 105 gsm. Thinner paper cannot support the lamination process effectively. By understanding the strengths of matte lamination and considering these practical tips, you can make an informed decision and create a product that stands out for both its durability and design.
Popular Applications for Matte Lamination
Now that you’re familiar with the properties and effects of matte lamination, it might be helpful to explore some of the most common print projects where customers find it particularly useful. While these examples provide practical guidance, your final choice will depend on your specific goals and design vision.
1. Art and Coffee-Table Books
Matte lamination is an excellent choice for art and coffee-table books, which often feature stunning illustrations or large-format photography alongside text. The matte finish enhances the subtleness and elegance of images while making the textual elements more readable, resulting in a sophisticated and balanced presentation.
2. High-End Product Catalogs
While gloss lamination is great for catalogs requiring vibrant and bold visuals, matte lamination is ideal for high-end catalogs showcasing luxury goods, fashion, or style items. The matte finish elevates the overall aesthetic, giving product photographs a refined look while ensuring durability for repeated handling.
3. Custom Printed Boxes
Matte lamination is a popular choice for custom printed boxes, adding an appealing and upscale finish to packaging. Whether for gift boxes, cosmetics, or boutique products, matte lamination provides a sophisticated appearance while protecting the box and its contents during storage, handling, and display.
4. Board Games
Board games often feature colorful artwork and must withstand years of use. For games targeting an older or more sophisticated audience, matte lamination adds a classy touch to the board and components like tokens or cards. While gloss works well for children’s games, matte lamination enhances visual appeal for adult-oriented designs.
5. Cards
Flash cards, tarot cards, and similar products often use matte lamination to reduce glare and provide a tactile, professional finish. This ensures the cards are easy to handle and visually appealing.
6. Other Applications
Matte lamination is also ideal for a variety of other products, including:
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Art Prints and Posters: Enhances colors with a soft finish.
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Presentation Folders: Adds a sleek, professional touch.
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Promotional Materials: Creates an upscale look for flyers and brochures.
Making Your Decision
These examples highlight the versatility of matte lamination and its ability to enhance various print projects. When deciding if matte lamination is the right choice for your project, consider factors like the target audience, product purpose, durability needs, and desired aesthetic.
Matte lamination combines functionality with elegance, making it a valuable option for achieving a high-quality finish that leaves a lasting impression.
