Did you know that there are two finishes available for most of the products available on Java Signs?  Unless otherwise specified, we make all signs with gloss finish.  However, you may want to make a special request for matte finish.  Matte is the same price as gloss, and all you have to do is request it in the comments section of your order.

But what's the difference, and when should you use matte over gloss?

Gloss finish is shiny and slick.  Matte is flat and has very little sheen.  Gloss tends to be the default for things like stickers and banners, but sometimes matte looks better.  It is difficult to know when to use which finish, in particular because it is mostly a matter of taste.  Here's some good rules of thumb:

If you're going for something a little artsier, matte is a good bet.  It lets the artwork and image speak for itself, without any glitz.

If you're at all concerned about glare, matte is the way to go.  Glossy finish reflects more light than matte.

It's important to consider where your sign is going.  If you are putting decals on a car or truck, gloss is usually the right choice, simply because most auto paint is gloss, and you're going to want to match the finish of the vehicle.  You generally want to try to match finishes, but in some cases you might want to do the opposite in order to have a bigger contrast.

If you're trying to catch eyes with an ad, on the one hand the sheen of gloss is attractive.  On the other hand, the subtlety of matte finish sometimes makes it more noticeable because of its contrast to all the glossy advertising that's out there.

So, ultimately the question of matte vs. gloss should be decided by your personal taste.  After all, it's your custom sign.  Be aware of the possibilities when designing your sign, and don't be afraid to try out matte finish.  If you have any questions, please contact our customer service folks and they'll be happy to help you out.