Matte photo paper vs. cardstock: Which is better for printing?

When it comes to printing your artistic creations or essential business materials, choosing the right paper can make all the difference. Imagine the frustration of seeing dull colors or curling edges on your art prints, all because the wrong material was chosen for printing. 

In this article, we’re comparing the top two contenders in the printing arena: matte photo paper vs. cardstock. If you’re a professional artist looking to showcase your work in the best light or a business owner preparing a stunning marketing campaign, we’re covering everything you need to know. We'll examine the unique characteristics of both materials, focusing on their durability, color vibrancy, and texture. By comparing these aspects, you'll learn which paper meets your specific needs.

Plus, we’ll examine how Gelato can be your partner in providing high-quality printing materials for immaculate art prints, eye-catching greeting cards, and noteworthy promotional materials.

• Matte photo paper and cardstock serve different printing needs with unique benefits for artists and business owners.

• Durability and thickness vary, with cardstock being thicker and often more durable.

• Color vibrancy and detail may differ, with matte photo paper typically offering superior color reproduction.

• Surface texture and finish influence the visual and tactile feel; matte paper is smoother, while cardstock has a more textured finish.

• Choose based on the project: Matte photo paper excels in art prints, whereas cardstock is ideal for greeting cards and promotional materials.

Matte photo paper is a specialized paper crafted to produce high-quality prints of photographs and artwork. It offers a smooth, non-reflective finish that minimizes glare, making it ideal for gallery displays and frames. Known for exceptional color reproduction and detail, matte paper presents images with depth and subtlety, producing elegant prints with a professional look.

Cardstock is a versatile material that is thicker and more robust than standard paper. Known for its durability and paper weight, it is suitable for printing projects like greeting cards, invitations, and scrapbooking. With various finishes such as matte, glossy, and textured, cardstock offers a substantial feel and can withstand handling and transport, making it ideal for creative applications.

When deciding between matte photo paper and cardstock, it's crucial to understand their distinct properties. Let's break down these key differences to help you make the best choice for your printing needs.

1. Durability and thickness

When comparing matte photo paper and cardstock, durability and thickness play a major role in their application. While both materials offer sturdy printing surfaces, they differ in how they handle wear and tear. Here's a look into their differences when it comes to durability and thickness:

Matte photo paper

Matte photo paper is thinner than cardstock but still offers reasonable durability for printed photographs. It resists fingerprints and smudges better than glossy photo paper alternatives, making it suitable for handling. However, since it is primarily designed for images, it is not as rigid as cardstock and can bend or tear more easily over time, especially if it is frequently handled.

Cardstock

Cardstock is thicker and more durable than matte photo paper, making it resistant to creases, tears, and bending. Its sturdy composition makes it ideal for items like greeting cards, business cards, and postcards that require a rigid feel. While it lacks the coated surface of photo paper, its thickness ensures longevity and resilience, making it a great choice for projects requiring a firm structure.

2. Color vibrancy and detail

Each material's color and fine details depend on its coating and surface absorbency. Matte photo paper is optimized for high-quality image reproduction, ensuring sharpness and accurate colors. Cardstock absorbs ink differently, which can influence color richness and clarity. Here's a more in-depth look into this detail:

Matte photo paper

Designed for printing images, matte photo paper provides excellent color accuracy with a non-reflective finish. It absorbs ink efficiently, ensuring deep blacks and vibrant hues without the glare of glossy paper. Since it has a smooth coating, it preserves fine details, making it ideal for photographs, art prints, and graphic-heavy designs where precision matters.

Cardstock

While cardstock can still produce rich colors, it does not offer the same level of vibrancy and sharpness as matte photo paper. Since it is more absorbent, the ink tends to seep into the fibers rather than sit on the surface, leading to softer images and slightly muted colors. This makes it more suitable for text-heavy prints or designs that don’t require photo-realistic detail.

3. Surface texture and finish

The feel and appearance of the surface majorly impact the final printed result. Matte photo paper and cardstock differ in texture, which affects how images, text, and colors appear when printed. Here's a snapshot of their differences when it comes to texture and finish:

Matte photo paper

Matte photo paper has a smooth, coated surface that diffuses light, reducing reflections and glare. This makes it perfect for professional photography, fine art prints, and projects where a soft, elegant finish is preferred. The coating enhances image clarity and prevents ink from bleeding, allowing for crisp edges.

Cardstock

Cardstock has a more fibrous, porous texture, giving it a natural, slightly rough feel. Depending on the type of cardstock used, it is available in various finishes, from smooth to heavily textured. The textured surface can add character to printed materials like invitations or business cards but may slightly reduce the sharpness of detailed images.

4. Use case

Both matte photo paper and cardstock have distinct purposes, with each excelling in specific applications. Understanding their ideal use cases helps select the best material for a project. Here's a breakdown of the differences in use cases between the two:

Matte photo paper

Matte photo paper is best suited for projects where high-quality image reproduction is a priority. It’s commonly used for professional photography prints, digital artwork, brochures, and high-end promotional materials. Since it reduces glare, it is also a great option for framed photos and posters that will be viewed under bright lighting conditions.

Cardstock

Cardstock is ideal for projects requiring a sturdy, rigid material. It is commonlyused for invitations, greeting cards, business cards, and certificates. Because of its durability, it also works well for handmade crafts and scrapbooking. While it doesn’t provide the same level of detail as photo paper, its thickness makes it the preferred choice for materials that must withstand frequent handling.

Now that you know the differences between the two, let’s explore some tips on how to choose between the two paper types that best fit your needs.

Determine the purpose

Choosing between matte photo paper and cardstock starts with understanding the purpose of your project. Both materials offer unique benefits, but selecting the right one depends on whether you prioritize high-quality image reproduction, durability, or a sturdy feel. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Photography and fine art prints: If you aim to print high-resolution photographs or artwork with sharp details and accurate colors, matte photo paper is the best option. It minimizes glare while preserving clarity, making it ideal for display prints and framed art.

• Business and marketing materials: Cardstock provides a more substantial, professional feel for business cards, flyers, and promotional materials. It’s durable, making it suitable for frequent handling while still offering decent print quality for text and simple designs.

• Greeting cards and invitations: If you’re printing invitations, thank-you cards, or holiday greetings, cardstock is the better choice because of its thickness and ability to stand upright without bending.

• Posters and signage: Matte photo paper works well for posters and visual displays because it provides sharp imagery and absorbs light rather than reflecting it, ensuring readability from different angles.

• Handmade crafts and DIY projects: Due to its rigidity and versatility, cardstock is better suited for projects that involve folding, cutting, or layering.

Consider durability, finish, and print quality

It’s important to assess the characteristics of each material, including how long the print needs to last, how it interacts with ink, and the overall presentation. Different finishes impact both visual appeal and practicality, influencing the final decision. Here's what you need to keep in mind:

• Durability and handling: If the printed material is frequently handled or exposed to different environments, cardstock’s thickness provides added resistance against bending and tearing. Though high in quality, matte photo paper is thinner and more delicate, making it more suitable for framed prints or limited handling.

• Surface finish and texture: Matte photo paper has a smooth, coated surface that reduces glare while preserving rich details. This makes it ideal for professional print photos that require a refined, non-reflective look. On the other hand, cardstock comes in various textures and finishes, from smooth to heavily textured, which can add an elegant touch to invitations or greeting cards.

• Ink absorption and print clarity: Matte photo paper is engineered for high-quality printing, ensuring crisp images, deep blacks, and vibrant colors. Due to its fibrous nature, cardstock absorbs more ink, which can lead to slightly softer colors and less sharp detail. This makes matte photo paper preferable for intricate designs and photography, while cardstock works well for bold, text-based prints.

• Longevity and preservation: Matte photo paper is designed to last longer, especially when stored or framed properly for archival purposes. Cardstock is durable for handling but may not offer the same level of longevity in terms of color retention.

Test different materials

Before committing to a large print run, testing matte photo paper and cardstock is crucial. Printing on different surfaces can reveal variations in color vibrancy, texture, and durability that might not be immediately apparent. A small batch of test prints can help you make an informed decision. Here are the steps to follow during the testing phase:

• Compare color output: Print the same image or design on both materials and compare the vibrancy, contrast, and clarity. Matte photo paper often produces richer, more detailed prints, while cardstock may result in slightly muted tones.

• Assess paper texture and feel: Handling the materials helps determine which feels right for the intended use. If a sleek, professional look is needed, matte photo paper is ideal. Cardstock may be the better option if a sturdy, handcrafted feel is preferred.

• Check ink absorption and drying time: Due to their coating, some inks take longer to dry on matte photo paper, while cardstock absorbs ink faster but may slightly blur details. Testing ensures that the final print quality aligns with expectations.

• Consider framing and mounting: If the print will be framed, matte photo paper is preferable because of its smooth finish and high-resolution capability. Cardstock's rigidity provides better support if the design needs to stand independently.

• Experiment with finishes: Some cardstock varieties offer coatings that enhance print quality, such as satin or gloss finishes. Testing different options ensures you select the best paper for your specific needs.

Deciding between matte photo paper and cardstock involves understanding their distinct characteristics—durability, color vibrancy, and finish — to find the perfect match for your project, which is key.

Gelato offers a comprehensive solution through our print on demand services, enabling artists to craft stunning photo prints and custom merchandise with ease.

With a global network, Gelato ensures high-quality production and speedy delivery to 34 countries, reducing your carbon footprint and expanding your reach. Transform your ideas into reality with Gelato’s custom products, such as t-shirts, mugs, wall art, cards, calendars, phone cases, tote bags, and photo books. With Gelato, you get:

• Unmatched print quality and color accuracy

• A diverse range of custom products, including art prints, greeting cards, and more

• Environmentally mindful production and delivery

With Gelato, experience the harmony of quality, creativity, and convenience. Your next best print project awaits.Sign up for Gelato today!

Is glossy paper better quality than matte paper or cardstock?

Glossy paper isn’t necessarily better quality but has a shinier, more reflective finish that enhances color vibrancy and contrast. Matte paper offers a softer, glare-free look with deep details, while card stock provides thickness and durability. The best choice for uncoated photo paper depends on the purpose—glossy for vivid prints, matte for elegant visuals, and cardstock for sturdiness.

What is matte photo paper good for?

Matte uncoated plain paper is ideal for professional photography prints, art reproductions, and designs requiring a soft, glare-free finish. These photo papers tend to absorb ink well, preserving details without reflections, making them great for framed images, portfolios, and posters. This finished photo paper provides a smooth texture and enhances clarity, making it a top choice for high-quality prints with a refined, elegant appearance.

Is matte paper the same as cardstock?

No, matte paper and cardstock are different. Matte is a photo paper that is thinner and designed for high-quality image printing with a non-glossy finish. Cardstock is thicker and more rigid and is often used for business cards, invitations, and crafts. While both can have a matte surface, cardstock paper's durability makes it suitable for projects requiring a sturdy material and is better than standard printer paper.