Lustre vs. Glossy: 3 Differences to Know for Photo Prints

When printing your photos, there are three general types of paper to choose from: lustre, glossy, and matte. But, in the end, the decision for most photographers leads to two contenders: lustre vs. glossy.

So, which one is the best?

Regardless of their brands, all types of paper have advantages and disadvantages. And depending on what you want to do with your prints, sometimes you might prefer one over the other— but you need to know the qualities of each one to make the right choice.

That is why, in this article, we’ll discuss the main differences between lustre and glossy photo paper and the best uses for each one. I’ll give you some key points to consider that have helped me understand when and why to use a specific type of paper.

Let’s start with some theory:

What is Lustre Photo Paper?

Lustre —or luster— paper is a semi-shiny, slightly pebbled-textured photo paper that combines the durability and softness of matte paper with the shine and contrast of glossy paper. It provides a very professional look with excellent color and detail without reflecting too much light.

Depending on the manufacturer, lustre paper goes by different names: semi-gloss, semi-matte, pearl, or satin. Some brands might even separate these terms into various paper types.

But, for the sake of this article, let’s talk about lustre finish as a general middle point between the classic reflective photo paper and the dull, heavy, and textured matte paper you see in most fine-art prints.

Thanks to its natural colors, soft tones, and professional look, lustre photo paper is suitable for several purposes: portfolios, gallery prints, professional wedding albums, etc. It’s perfect for portrait, landscape, and artistic photography, as well as black and white prints due to its deep blacks.

Moreover, this type of paper is less prone to fingerprints and smudges, making it easier to handle without the risk of damaging the surface.

Nevertheless, although lustre offers plenty of benefits, it loses a bit of contrast, so it might not be the best choice if you aim for vivid, saturated colors.

Advantages of Lustre Paper for Photo Prints

• Its semi-reflective surface makes it a versatile paper for many purposes.
• Since it doesn’t reflect that much light, you can hang it on a wall and see it from different angles without any distracting glare— perfect for galleries and decorative prints!
• It provides smooth and accurate skin tones for portraits.
• It’s more resistant to fingerprints, blemishes, and scratches.
• It looks professional.

Disadvantages of Lustre Paper for Photo Prints

• It loses a bit of contrast and sharpness due to its pebbled texture.
• The colors don’t ‘pop out’ as much as with a glossy finish.

What is Glossy Photo Paper?

Glossy paper is a popular type of photographic paper with a shiny and smooth coating, giving your prints a reflective, almost glass-like finish. It’s the typical photo paper used to print your family photos in a regular lab.

This paper is ideal for high-contrast images, providing the most vivid colors and intense whites and blacks.

The glossy surface also increases detail and sharpness, as there is no texture to dull the image.

However, this paper bounces a lot of light, which can be annoying. Therefore, it is best suited for photo albums or any purpose where it doesn’t get direct light that can distract the viewer.

In addition, glossy photo paper is quite delicate. It tends to hold fingerprints quickly, so you should handle it carefully.

Advantages of Glossy Paper for Photo Prints

• It provides crisp, striking images with high contrast.
• It delivers vibrant colors, bright highlights, and intense blacks.
• It has a smooth surface that preserves and enhances all the details of the photo.

Disadvantages of Glossy Paper for Photo Prints

• It’s not the best choice to make large prints to hang on walls, as it reflects too much light and makes it difficult for the viewer to see the image.
• It’s prone to hold fingerprints and marks.

Is Lustre the Same as Glossy?

No. Although both paper types have a reflective surface, lustre is not as shiny and smooth as glossy. Besides, lustre photo paper shows a bit of a grainy texture similar to matte paper, while glossy has a more glass-like appearance.

Let’s have a closer look at the main aspects to consider when comparing lustre vs. glossy:

What is the Difference Between Lustre and Glossy?

1. Reflectivity

This is the main difference between the two types of paper.

First of all, remember that the two papers are shiny. But, as I mentioned before, the classic glossy finish has a highly reflective surface that can create a harsh glare when exposed directly to light.

In contrast, when you pass a lustre photo paper across the light, you will notice a much subtler and softer hit of light that won’t cause any distractions to the viewer.

Because of this difference, luster paper is more versatile and is the favorite choice among professionals and enthusiasts to showcase their work.

2. Color and Contrast

Since luster paper has a semi-matte look, it subdues the colors a bit and generates a loss of contrast compared to the natural sheen of the glossy finish.

For that reason, if you want saturated colors with whiter whites and blacker blacks, glossy might be your winner.

Even so, the softness of luster paper provides beautiful and smooth tones for a more artistic and professional-looking result.

3. Sharpness

A glossy print ensures the highest amount of sharpness and clarity as the shiny coating accentuates the details of the photo.

On the other hand, the slightly grainy texture of luster paper reduces the sharpness a bit, so that’s something to consider if you want a neat, crystal-clear finish.

What is the Best Finish for Photos?

I don’t want to disappoint you, but there is no quick answer to this question. The ‘best’ finish for photos will depend entirely on your intentions and preferences.

Still, as a general recommendation, a glossy finish works great for personal photo albums. Conversely, lustre is better for large prints, galleries, and photo albums for clients— just to mention a few examples.

Personally, I prefer lustre photo paper as it is more versatile and easier to handle than glossy. Besides, it gives a beautiful, professional-looking texture to your photos. Yet, you must consider other aspects before making your final choice.

Lustre vs. Glossy vs. Matte

So far, we have focused on the lustre vs. glossy debate, but what about matte paper?

Unlike the previous two, the matte paper has no reflective properties. It is flat and provides a grainy texture that adds a more artistic —almost vintage— feel to your photos.

Matte paper is an excellent choice for making fine-art prints and handling photos without damaging the surface. It is a heavier and durable material that doesn’t hold fingerprints or blemishes. Still, it is more expensive and doesn’t produce contrasting colors as its shiny contenders.

Final Remarks

There is no definite winner when comparing lustre vs. glossy finish— they are just suited for different purposes.

The type of paper you choose can significantly change your image’s look, mood, and viewing experience. So, whether you print your photos at home or go to a lab, make your choice with care!

Remember that glossy photo paper can produce unwanted glare when exposed directly to a light source, so it’s not ideal for framing your prints. Instead, go for a lustre finish if you want to hang your prints or produce professional-quality photos for clients.

I hope you found this article helpful. If you enjoyed it, feel free to share it on social media! And don’t forget to check our Photography Glossary and our article on how to sell photography prints to learn more about photography, cameras, and other equipment.

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