Matte vs Glossy Finishes: Which Hand-Painted Style Suits Your Device?

The artwork may be the first thing you notice, but the finish can change the way the entire device feels. The same artwork can feel subtle and sophisticated on a matte surface, yet brighter and more expressive with a glossy finish. It is a small detail that can make a surprisingly big difference to the final look.

So, which finish is right for you? Matte offers a softer, understated aesthetic, while glossy adds shine and a stronger visual presence. The better choice depends on your personal style, how you use your device and whether you want your custom piece to blend into your everyday look or make more of a statement. 

Matte vs Glossy: At a Glance

What Does a Matte Finish Look Like?

A matte finish has little visible shine, giving the artwork a softer and more restrained appearance. Without strong reflections competing for attention, the design itself becomes the focus.

This finish works particularly well with minimalist artwork, neutral tones and darker colours. It suits a device that feels considered and distinctive without relying on a high-shine surface to make an impression.

If you prefer clean design, subtle detailing and a more refined visual effect, matte may be the better fit.

What Does a Glossy Finish Look Like?

A glossy finish has a smooth, reflective surface that catches the light and gives the artwork a brighter, more polished appearance. Rather than letting the design sit quietly on the device, the finish becomes part of how the artwork is seen.

It works particularly well with vibrant colours, intricate artwork and high-contrast designs, where reflections can add depth and visual interest. If you prefer bold artwork, brighter colour combinations or a more polished appearance, glossy may be the better fit for your device. 

Matte vs Glossy: What Are the Practical Differences?

The finish matters beyond appearance too. It can affect how fingerprints, everyday marks, and wear show up over time. 

Fingerprints and everyday marks

Both finishes can pick up oils, dust and marks through regular handling. On a glossy surface, these can sometimes be easier to notice because the surface reflects more light. Matte tends to make minor marks less visually prominent.

Scratches and everyday wear

Neither finish makes a hand-painted device immune to scratches. Everyday contact with keys, coins and other hard objects can leave marks, particularly when a device is carried loose in a bag or pocket.

How the finish holds up will depend on factors such as the construction, paint and protective coating used, as well as how the device is handled. Storing it separately from other hard objects is a simple way to reduce unnecessary wear.

Cleaning and care

Use a soft, clean cloth and avoid abrasive materials or harsh cleaning products that could affect the painted surface. Store the device away from hard objects that could scratch or mark it. 

Which Finish Is Right for How You Use Your Device?

The best choice also depends on how the device will fit into your life. 

For everyday carry

For everyday carry, think about how you want the device to work with the rest of your accessories. Matte has a quieter presence, while glossy makes the device more noticeable. Choose the finish that feels most natural with your existing style. 

For a statement piece

If the device is intended to be part of your look rather than simply something you carry, the finish can become part of the statement. Glossy works well when you want the surface to contribute to the effect, while matte can keep attention on the artwork itself. The question becomes less about how noticeable the device should be and more about what you want people to notice first. 

For gifting

When choosing a finish for someone else, start with what you already know about their taste.

Someone who prefers minimalist accessories and softer aesthetics may appreciate matte, while a person drawn to bold colours, polished details and statement pieces may prefer glossy.

If you're unsure, let the artwork help make the decision. A design that reflects their interests or personality can make the gift feel far more personal than choosing based on the finish alone. 

Matte or Glossy? Make Your Choice

Still deciding? Start with the artwork you have chosen.

• Choose matte if you prefer a softer, more restrained finish that lets the artwork take centre stage.
• Choose glossy if you want stronger reflection and more visual impact from colour and detail.

If both work, go with the finish that feels most natural to your personal style. There is no objectively better option. The right one is the one you will enjoy seeing every day.

Find the Finish That Fits Your Style

There is no universally better finish. The right choice comes down to the artwork you love, the way you use your device and the style you want it to reflect.

Explore the hand-painted devices from Craft by Merlin and find a finish that suits your style.