Matte vs. Glossy Auto Decals

Auto Decals

Matte and glossy are two of the most popular finishes for custom auto decals. There’s some debate about which finish is the best, but it really comes down to your personal preference. A matte finish has a clean and matte look, whereas a glossy finish has a rich and glowy look. Both matte and glossy vehicle decals enhance the visual appeal of your car or truck. The choice between the two types of finishes comes down to the design of the decal and your desired aesthetic for your vehicle. Both types of car graphic finishes give your vehicle style and presence on the road! Let’s look into both matte and glossy finishes so that you can decide which finish is best for your auto decal and vehicle.

Matte Auto Decals

A matte finish is defined as a smooth and even surface free from shine or highlights. Matte finishes have a low gloss percentage. 

Key Factors of Matte Finishes

• Color

  • A matte finish absorbs light and reduces shine on a custom car decal.

  • Matte vehicle graphics have a more muted color and less vibrancy.

  • Sleek and modern car sticker designs with less colors will look best with a matte finish. Decals with a matte finish provide a classy visual appearance.

• Durability

  • Matte finishes are made with high-quality vinyl.

  • Vinyl is a very durable and long lasting material used for custom car decals and graphics.

  • Vinyl decals are weather resistant and can withstand exposure to rain, snow, and sunlight.

  • Fading is also reduced with the use of vinyl on car decals.

• Glare

  • Matte finished car stickers provide readability. Decals with text should be readable from multiple angles. 

  • Decals that have intricate or small designs can also benefit from a matte finish.

  • Matte car decals give a luxurious soft glow when light hits the graphic surface.

  • The lack of shine gives the appearance of a lower contrast between colors of the graphic design.

• Popular Uses

  • Matte vehicle graphics and decals are most commonly used to create a professional, sleek, modern, and sophisticated aesthetic on a car.

  • Auto decals with text or complex details are also typically cut on matte finishes.

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Glossy Auto Decals

A glossy finish is defined as an ultra smooth, shiny surface that reflects light. Decals with a glossy finish appear rich in color and are visually striking.

Key Factors of Glossy Finishes

• Color

  • Glossy finishes on auto decals allow more light to come through and reflect off of the decal surface. This effect makes colors look more vibrant and saturated on car decals and graphics.

  • A glossy car decal also creates a more pronounced color contrast, allowing the boldness of the colors to stand out.

  • An auto decal with a bold design and vivid colors will look best with a glossy finish.

• Durability

  • Similar to matte finished auto decals, glossy finishes are typically cut on vinyl.

  • Vinyl provides a durable material for glossy car decals and offers longevity, potentially lasting up to five to twelve years.

  • Car decals made with vinyl are weather resistant and fade resistant.

  • Vinyl decals are a strong material that also prevents scuffs and scratches in the paint.

• Glare

  • Glossy finishes reflect a lot of light, giving the car sticker a glare effect. This effect happens especially when light or sunlight is directly shining on the auto decal.

  • The glare effect adds more depth and visual interest to a car decal, especially if the decal has bold colors.

  • Glossy car stickers have a high shine look. They provide a high contrast effect, making the colors on the graphics pop.

• Popular Uses

  • Glossy car stickers are used to make an impact and statement on a car or truck.

  • Because glossy finishes are vibrant, they capture a viewer’s attention and make a vehicle stand out on the road.

  • Auto decals with a glossy finish are preferred for bold graphic designs with vibrant colors.

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Choose the Right Auto Decal for Your Vehicle

When choosing the type of finish for your custom car decal, it is important to understand what each finish looks like. The matte vs. glossy finish debate is truly up to personal preference, both types of finishes will protect and enhance your auto decals. The biggest difference between matte and glossy car decals is the way the graphic design diffuses light that shines on its surface. Choosing the right type of finish for your vehicle decals and graphics depends on what type of design you want for your vehicle. If you want a more sporty or bold aesthetic, go with a glossy auto decal. If you want a vehicle graphic that looks more premium and modern, go with a matte finish. Both custom car decal finishes are sure to enhance the appearance of your vehicle and provide a long-lasting effect that is sure to make your car stand out on the road.