Selecting the right medium means balancing optical density, display lighting, and archival requirements against project budgets.
| Physical Metric | Glossy Finish | Matte & Fine Art | Luster & Satin Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Reflection & Glare | High specular glare; mirror-like reflections | Zero specular glare; completely diffuse | Low-to-medium soft sheen; minimal glare |
| Color Gamut & Dmax | Maximum gamut; Dmax 2.3, 2.6 | Compressed black gamut; Dmax 1.6, 1.9 | Wide gamut; Dmax 2.1, 2.4 |
| Smudge & Handling Resistance | Extremely fragile; collects oils instantly | Resistant to skin oils; prone to corner scrapes | High smudge and fingerprint resistance |
| Typical Weight & Base | 200, 260 GSM resin-coated base | 230, 340 GSM 100% cotton rag or alpha-cellulose | 240, 300 GSM microporous RC base |
| Average 8x10 Lab Cost | $2.50, $5.00 | $7.00, $16.00 (archival rag) | $3.50, $7.00 |
