5 Paper Finishes Every Business in Japan Should Know

The finish you choose for your printed materials affects how people feel about your brand before they read a single word. A limp, glossy flyer reads as cheap. A thick, soft-touch business card reads as premium. Here is a breakdown of the five most common finishes and when to use each.

1. Gloss Lamination

What it looks like: Shiny, reflective surface. Colours appear vivid and saturated.

Best for: Leaflets, brochures, and product catalogues where you want images to pop.

Avoid for: Text-heavy documents — fingerprints show easily, and glare can make reading uncomfortable.

2. Matt Lamination

What it looks like: Flat, non-reflective surface. Colours appear slightly muted but sophisticated.

Best for: Business cards, booklet covers, premium product packaging.

Note: Matt surfaces can scuff over time — protect with soft-touch or varnish for high-contact items.

3. Silk / Satin

What it looks like: A midpoint between gloss and matt — slight sheen, less reflective than gloss.

Best for: Magazines, brochures, and menus where you want good image reproduction without glare.

Our most popular finish for leaflets and booklets.

4. Soft-Touch Lamination

What it looks like: Velvety, rubberised surface with a luxurious feel.

Best for: Premium business cards, high-end booklet covers, gift packaging.

Note: More expensive, but the tactile impression is immediately noticeable and memorable.

5. Uncoated

What it looks like: Natural paper surface — no coating. Slightly textured.

Best for: Letterheads, notepad covers, invitations, and anything that needs to feel organic or crafted.

Note: Ink can appear slightly less vibrant on uncoated stock. Great for brands with a natural or artisan identity.

How to Choose

Ask yourself: what is the first thing someone does with this item? If they look at it, gloss or silk maximises visual impact. If they touch it first, soft-touch or uncoated creates a stronger impression. If it is a regular working document, matt or silk is the most practical.

When in doubt, order a sample pack — we send printed finish samples on request.