- \n
- The main differences between the type of finish and poster material\u2014glossy, matte, satin and canvas\u2014come down to colour vibrancy and how they handle lighting.<\/li>\n
- Paper weight and thickness affect the feel and durability of your poster and how it holds up over time.<\/li>\n
- The best poster materials for indoor use are glossy and matte. Synthetic or laminated materials are better for outdoor displays.<\/li>\n
- Eco-friendly poster paper options include recycled or FSC-certified paper, which offer sustainable printing without compromising on quality.<\/li>\n
- Match poster materials with your printing method to make sure your design looks sharp, clean and professional.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n
Types of poster materials<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Glossy poster paper<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Glossy poster paper offers a shiny, smooth finish that enhances vibrant colours and design details. While a glossy finish makes colours on a poster pop, it\u2019s also reflective and can make fingerprints more visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Best for:<\/strong> High-impact visuals, product photos and promotions. Glossy paper is a popular choice for event posters and long-lasting indoor displays in retail spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Poster](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_768,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1748346242\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-au\/storefront-window\/storefront-window.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTwo hanging posters for DEW<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n \n\n\n Tip <\/div>\n\nLearn how to design a poster and get inspiration from these creative poster design ideas<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n
Matte poster paper<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Matte poster paper has a flat, non-glossy finish with a smooth texture. Matte paper is easier to read from a distance with no glare, but the colours may appear more muted compared to glossy lamination finishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Consider](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_768,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1748346247\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-au\/poster-placement\/poster-placement.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSource: Wall posters in a poke shop<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Best for:<\/strong> Posters with lots of text or subtle graphics. The non-reflective surface means a matte finish is often used in educational spaces, offices and for informational displays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Satin\/semi-gloss paper<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Satin or semi-gloss paper has a slight sheen that lands somewhere between matte and glossy. It\u2019s known for its rich colour reproduction without a high-shine look, but it can still cause some reflection under certain lighting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Best for:<\/strong> Professional posters that need to balance vibrant colours with clarity, such as business signage, conference displays and indoor promotions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Canvas and fabric<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Canvas and fabric posters have a textured surface with a premium, artistic look. While these poster materials are durable, they are more expensive and not ideal for bulk prints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Best for:<\/strong> High-end or decorative posters that are framed or mounted, for example in galleries and retail stores. Canvas is also a good poster material for outdoor signs because of its durability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Canvas](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_978,h_577,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1748346253\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-au\/canvas-and-vinyl\/canvas-and-vinyl.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA banner and poster for a kombucha brand<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n \n\n\n Tip <\/div>\n\nFor more design inspiration, explore our best poster templates<\/a> and find the perfect style for your business.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n
Eco-friendly poster materials<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Recycled and FSC-certified papers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Recycled and AFS-certified papers are made from post-consumer materials and responsibly sourced wood pulp. The look and feel are similar to traditional matte or satin finishes, with the added benefit of being more eco-friendly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Best for:<\/strong> Environmentally-conscious businesses that want to reduce their carbon footprint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biodegradable poster materials<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Biodegradable posters are made from innovative materials like stone paper or plant-based fibers. They offer a more sustainable option without sacrificing quality, helping brands to reduce waste and stay eco-friendly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Best for:<\/strong> These materials are designed to break down more easily, making them ideal for short-term campaigns, temporary signage or event posters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Poster paper stock and thickness<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Paper stock plays a big role in how your poster feels, how professional it looks and how long it lasts. Heavyweight paper is thicker, more durable and less likely to curl, tear or crease, which is especially useful if your poster will be handled a lot. It also gives a more premium feel, which can make a strong impression on potential customers or passersby. If your poster will be rolled, mounted or reused, thicker paper will keep it looking fresh and protect it against damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When choosing a paper stock, consider how and where your poster will be displayed:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Satin and Outdoor paper (around 154-180 gsm) is affordable and great for short-term promotions or for both indoor and outdoor use. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Laminated Matte option (300 gsm) is the better choice for posters that need to hold up in high-traffic areas or long-term displays.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Wall](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_683,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1748346258\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-au\/wall-posters_3614690a84\/wall-posters_3614690a84.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWall posters for a donut shop<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Best poster materials for indoor and outdoor use<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Best poster materials for indoor use<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Glossy and matte posters are both great options for indoor spaces. Depending on your poster\u2019s purpose:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Glossy finishes are ideal for promotional posters in shops or events. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Matte finishes are easier to read from a distance and reduce glare from indoor lighting, which makes them a great choice for text-heavy posters or informational displays.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Satin is also a good option for a poster paper material that looks professional with a bit of sheen.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Best poster materials for outdoor use<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Outdoor posters need to be more durable so that they can stand up to the elements. Look for poster material types that are UV-resistant and waterproof, such as synthetic paper or laminated finishes. These materials help keep your poster looking clear and professional, even in direct sunlight or bad weather. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A satin or matte lamination finish is also a great way to add durability without changing the appearance. Whether it’s a sidewalk sign or posters in shop windows, outdoor displays are best when made from materials that won\u2019t fade, wrinkle or fall apart after a few days outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n \n\n\n Tip <\/div>\n\nPlanning a large-scale outdoor display? Read our guide on poster sizes<\/a> to make sure your design stands out.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n
![\"Poster](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_569,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1748346231\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-au\/banner-promoting\/banner-promoting.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA poster and banner promoting a flash sale<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Printing compatibility: Match paper type to printing method<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Best materials for digital printing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Glossy, matte and satin types of paper all work well with digital printing. Digital printers deliver high-resolution results and can easily handle coated papers. Coatings help the ink sit on top of the paper so colours appear sharp and vibrant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Best materials for screen printing and large formats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you’re printing in large quantities or screen printing your design, make sure your paper is thick enough to absorb ink evenly. Heavier matte or satin papers work best. The paper texture also affects how the ink appears, so it\u2019s generally best to avoid overly textured materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Wall](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_575,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1748346238\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-au\/printing-materials\/printing-materials.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA retail poster with a holiday sale discount offer<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Choosing poster materials for your business type<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Retail and pop-up shops<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Use glossy or satin finishes to create bright, eye-catching visuals for retail posters. These materials are perfect for highlighting product images, bold discounts and special promotions that need to grab attention fast. Glossy posters make colours look more eye-catching, while satin has a polished look without too much shine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For outdoor signs, use weather-resistant materials like synthetic paper or laminated posters, so that your message doesn\u2019t get missed even in rain or bright sunlight. A well-printed poster can help draw people into your store and showcase the offers you want them to see first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Service-based businesses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Matte or satin finishes offer a more professional look that\u2019s ideal for window signage or interior displays where clarity matters. These materials are great for posters that focus on key services, special offers or important information that customers need to read quickly. A matte finish reduces glare, making it easier to see text and QR codes that direct people to your website or booking page. Keeping your design clean and easy to read helps build trust and makes it easier for customers to follow the call to action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Events and conferences<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Go for lightweight, rollable poster papers that are easy to travel with and take to events with you. Use a matte finish to avoid glare from overhead lighting, and if you want to leave a lasting impression, remember that posters also make great leave-behinds<\/a> after events or meetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Students and educators<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Matte paper is the best choice for easy reading in classrooms or hallways. Glossy paper works well for creative projects, or choose canvas if you\u2019re printing something permanent or for outdoor use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n \n\n\n\n Ready to print your poster? <\/div>\n\n\n Explore custom poster printing to find the perfect fit for your next campaign. <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n