Short answer
Lustre photo paper has a fine texture and a soft sheen, with rich colour and good black depth. Matte photo paper has a flat, non-reflective surface that gives softer, more muted tones and no glare at all. Choose lustre for lively everyday prints and portraits, and matte for fine art, black-and-white work, or prints that will sit in bright light or behind glass.
Side-by-side comparison
| Lustre | Matte | |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | Fine texture, soft sheen | Flat, no shine |
| Colour | Rich and vibrant | Softer, more muted |
| Black depth | Deep | Slightly lighter |
| Glare | Low | None |
| Fingerprints | Mostly hidden | Mostly hidden, though scuffs can show |
| Look | Classic “photo” feel | Artistic, paper-like feel |
Specific papers vary by maker, so use the table as a general guide.
Surface and feel
Lustre sits between glossy and matte. The finish scatters some light, which gives colours a gentle lift without a mirror-like shine. Some people describe the texture as slightly pebbled.
Matte has no meaningful sheen. It looks and feels more like a traditional art paper, and many matte papers are also heavier, although weight depends on the specific paper rather than the finish. If feel matters to you, see our guide on whether matte photo paper is thick.
Colour, contrast and black depth
Lustre generally delivers higher saturation, stronger contrast and deeper blacks. Matte coatings tend to absorb more ink and scatter light more evenly, which gives a softer, more subdued look. Blacks on matte can look a little lighter than on lustre, though on many papers the difference is small at normal viewing distance.
That softness is not a flaw. For black-and-white images, film-style scans and low-contrast or pastel subjects, it can look more natural and more refined.
Glare, fingerprints and framing
- Glare: Matte has none. Lustre has a little, which only becomes noticeable in strong, direct light.
- Fingerprints: Both hide most fingerprints, and this is a main reason they are preferred over glossy for handled prints.
- Scuffs: Matte surfaces can show scuffs or burnishing if rubbed, so protect them from friction.
- Behind glass: Both are generally good choices. Neither is as prone as glossy to sticking to glass, though a mat that keeps the print off the glass is still good practice.
Which to pick by subject
- Portraits and family photos: Lustre. Skin tones look smooth and natural, and the print is easy to view.
- Events and weddings: Lustre is a common all-round choice.
- Black-and-white photography: Matte often suits the tonal gradations well.
- Fine art reproductions and illustrations: Matte, for the painterly, non-reflective look.
- Bright rooms and wall art under direct light: Matte, or lustre if you want a little more colour punch.
- Photo books and albums: Either, depending on how much colour punch versus softness you want.
School pictures and portraits
For school-style portraits, either finish is workable. Lustre has a bit more colour and warmth, while matte is calmer and avoids reflections when pictures are displayed in a bright hallway. If the portrait will be framed and hung, choose based on the room’s lighting rather than a fixed rule.
Black-and-white and fine art
For black-and-white work and art prints, matte tends to be the traditional choice because the surface does not compete with subtle tones. If you want more depth in the shadows, try a smooth lustre and compare it against matte on a small test print.
Printing at home: practical points
- Use paper made for your type of printer and follow the paper maker’s instructions.
- Match the printer’s paper type setting to the paper you load.
- Let prints dry fully before stacking or framing them.
- Print a small test on each finish before committing to a large batch.
FAQ
Which is better for photo prints, lustre or matte?
It depends on the subject and display. Lustre is a strong all-rounder; matte is better for glare-free viewing and fine art.
Is photo paper glossy or matte?
Both exist, along with in-between finishes such as lustre and satin. For a closer look at the shiny end, see luster vs glossy photo paper.
Does matte photo paper look washed out?
It can look softer than lustre or glossy, but it should not look washed out on a good print. If it does, the image may need small adjustments to contrast or brightness for the paper.
Is lustre the same as satin?
They are very similar and often used interchangeably, though exact texture varies by maker. See satin photo paper for posters for more on satin.