How to Choose the Right Metal Print Finish
- Charles Wallace
- Jun 19
- 3 min read
When it comes to printing on metal, choosing the right finish makes a big difference. At Artbeat Studios, we offer six premium metal finishes—each with its own unique qualities, from high-shine brilliance to soft matte textures. Whether you're aiming for bold color, reduced glare, or something durable for outdoor display, this guide will help you understand the differences so you can pick the perfect finish for your image and display needs.
1. White Gloss
Vibrant and bold. This finish has a high-gloss shine that enhances color depth and contrast. Best for high-impact images, especially landscapes, travel photos, and anything with vivid color.
Most Reflective
High Color pop
Glare possible in bright spaces
2. White Satin
A smooth, semi-gloss finish that tones down reflection while still offering strong color and clarity. Think of it as the middle ground between gloss and matte. Great for everyday photography like: wedding, lifestyle photos, portraits and landscape or nature photos.
Balance color and contrast
Reduces glare
Popular all around choice
3. White Matte
Soft and non-reflective, this finish mutes shine completely. It offers subtle contrast and is great for moody, black-and-white, fine art reproductions, or softer images.
No glare at all
Soft, painterly look
Reduced vibrancy slightly while still preserving detail
4. Silver Gloss
Printed directly on brushed aluminum without a white base layer. The metal shows through, especially in the highlights, giving your image a metallic sheen. Great for high-contrast black-and-whites or edgy, industrial-looking art.
Metallic shine and texture
Unique depth with visible metal grain
Not ideal for accurate skin tone or soft detail
5. Textured Matte
This finish has a subtle texture you can feel—it diffuses light and adds a tactile, fine art quality to your print. It’s perfect for Nature and botanical shots, impressionistic or abstract images, or prints where surface feel is part of the experience.
No glare + tactile surface
Adds depth to subtle details
Slightly more muted than Satin and Gloss
6. HD Outdoor Metal (White Gloss + UV)
Designed to last. This is our most durable option, using a white gloss finish that is durable for the outdoor elements. Ideal for outdoor use or high-traffic areas. Great for outdoor signs, restaurants and hotels.
UV-resistant and weather resistant for approx. 5 years
Maintains color and gloss outside
Slightly more reflective due to gloss finish
Comparison Chart
Finish | Glare Level | Color Vibrancy | Texture Feel | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
White Gloss | High | Very High | Smooth | Vivid images, bold colors |
White Satin | Low-Med | High | Smooth | Everyday prints, portraits |
White Matte | Very Low | Medium | Smooth | B&W, soft tones |
Silver Gloss | High | Metallic | Smooth | Industrial, abstract, gritty art |
Textured Matte | None | Medium | Textured | Landscapes, Nature |
HD Outdoor | High | Very High | Smooth | Outdoor signage, patio display |
Choosing the right metal print finish
Each finish we offer brings something unique to your image—whether it’s high-gloss impact, soft matte elegance, or the sleek shine of metal showing through. If you’re still deciding which is right for your work, feel free to reach out. Our team is happy to help you find the finish that best compliments your photo and the space you’re displaying it in.
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