Photo Paper Types Explained
Glossy pops with colour, matte kills glare, lustre balances both — here is how to pick for albums, frames, and gifts.
Choose Finish & UploadQuick answer: Glossy photo paper has high shine and vivid colour; matte has no glare and resists fingerprints; lustre (satin) offers subtle sheen — the most popular choice for wedding and family portraits in India.
Paper finish changes how light reflects off your print — and that changes how colours feel in your room. Glossy suits vibrant travel shots and gift albums where punch matters. Matte suits art reproductions, black-and-white photography, and frames near windows where glare would distract. Lustre — our default satin stock on 270 GSM paper — sits in the middle: rich colour without mirror-like reflections. Most Indian customers ordering wedding and family prints choose lustre for living rooms and glossy for smaller album snapshots.
Examples for this guide
Finish comparison
| Finish | Look | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glossy | High shine, vivid | Albums, gifts, colour pop | Fingerprints, window glare |
| Matte | Flat, no glare | Art, B&W, text overlays | Slightly less colour punch |
| Lustre / Satin | Subtle sheen | Wedding, family, framed walls | None major — most versatile |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which finish is best for wedding photos?
Lustre/satin is the safest choice — flattering skin tones without harsh reflections in banquet hall lighting.
Is matte better for frames behind glass?
Matte and lustre both reduce double-reflection issues; lustre still keeps colour richness.
What GSM paper does PrintPosters use?
270 GSM premium satin photo paper — thicker and more durable than typical 200 GSM copier stock.
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