Paper Explained: Matte vs. Dull vs. Uncoated

(TLDR: Dull or “matte” papers aren’t exactly what most people think. Dull and matte are both actually coated paper finishes. If you want a truly non-shiny paper, go with an uncoated stock.)

At Warwick, we get a good number of people who ask for a “matte finish” and specify that they want “dull stock.” Really though, in their minds, what they want (in most cases) is an uncoated paper stock that has no finish.

People often think of matte or dull as just a plain paper with no finish or sheen—and we get it. The verbiage used to classify these different paper choices can be extremely confusing and counter-intuitive. So today, we’re clearing up the misconceptions. Here are the differences explained as simply as possible, to help you get exactly what you’re looking for on your next custom pocket folder order.

Pocket folder paper stock finishes explained

Uncoated paper (no gloss, no finish) prints your art with a more muted color. Because 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. (*We do not stock this specific paper option at Warwick, but we can custom order it for pocket folder orders that meet our custom minimums.)

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

Glossy is our standard coated stock that prints the most vibrant colors for your art, and has the shiniest finish of these options. (We also offer a hi-gloss white paper stock in our designer line with a super shiny gloss finish.)

How to choose the best paper for your project

“My first question to a customer is always: do you want coated or uncoated paper?” explains Sandy Peterman, Purchasing Manager for Warwick Publishing.

“Then, if they want paper with a coating, they have two options: standard gloss (most vibrant), or dull / silk (a less glossy coated finish)

If you want custom pocket folders made with a flat, matte, dull, or muted paper, first decide if you want a coated or uncoated paper. If you’re printing on something and want more vibrant colors, you’ll want to go with a dull or silk finish paper or our standard gloss.

If you truly want a muted result with your printing, then, we recommend the uncoated paper (also known as “smooth stock”) which will absorb more of the color and will have no shiny or reflective finish.

Want to see all the paper stock options from Warwick? Browse our entire line of folder papers.

What to do if you don’t know what paper stock to use

If you’re not sure, ask for a sample of each. We want you and your clients to get exactly what you envision. We can send you paper samples to touch and feel so that you can observe the differences between coated and uncoated papers first hand.

In summary

Despite their 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.

Learn more about our custom pocket folders here. Still have some questions? Leave a comment below, or call us at 800-383-7149 to speak with one of our paper-savvy experts.