Dull- The New Cool Factor!

People often think of matte or dull as just a plain paper with no finish or sheen; thanks understandable! Let's clear up the misconceptions:

• Uncoated paper (no gloss, no finish) prints your art with a more muted color. There’s no coating, the paper absorbs the ink quickly and there is no reflective finish to brighten the color.

• Matte paper, on the other hand, is a coated stock, with the least vibrant finish. This paper stock has a minimal sheen and will brighten your art one level from the uncoated stock.

• Dull stock has a slightly more vibrant coated finish than the matte stock, prints with brighter colors. The dull finish isn’t as glossy as standard gloss coated paper, but it’s still coated stock.

• Glossy: Coated stock that prints, in vibrant colors and has the shiniest finish.

How to decide on the best paper for your project



If you’re not sure – ask for a sample of each! We’ll gladly send you paper samples to touch and feel so that you can observe the differences between coated and uncoated papers first hand. Despite the descriptions “dull” and “matte” papers actually both have coatings that add a slight sheen to the paper. Use this guide when talking with your customers about their vision:

• Gloss = most vibrant finish
• Dull/silk= medium coated finish, prints vibrant colors
• Matte finish = least vibrant colors (but still a coated paper)
• Uncoated: = no shiny finish. Prints with muted colors.

To learn more about our favorite partner for custom pocket folders here. Confusing? We are paper-savvy experts, here to help!