Media Options · Oakville

Poster Finishes & Sizes

Matte, gloss, or laminate — here's how to pick the right finish and stock for what you're printing.

3 finishes — matte, gloss, laminated Mounting available on any finish Fade-resistant inks on every print

Proof — Job #OP-2001

Choose Your Finish Matte · Gloss · Laminate

How to Choose

Matte vs. Gloss vs. Laminate

Matte finish has almost no glare, which makes it the easiest to read under harsh overhead lighting — classrooms, offices, and conference halls all favour matte for that reason. It also hides fingerprints better than gloss.

Gloss finish makes colour pop with more saturation and contrast, which is why retail displays, event posters, and anything meant to grab attention from a distance usually go gloss. The tradeoff is more glare under direct light.

Lamination adds a scratch-resistant layer over either matte or gloss, extending the life of a poster that's going to be touched, handled, or displayed for months rather than days. It costs more per square foot but pays for itself anywhere durability matters more than a one-time event.

Comparison

Finish Comparison

Pick based on lighting, handling, and how long the poster needs to last.

Finish	Best For	Matte Base	Gloss Base	Lamination Add-on
Matte	Classrooms, offices, low-glare reading	Included	—	+40%
Gloss	Retail, events, high-impact colour	—	Included	+40%
Laminated	High-traffic, long-term, outdoor-adjacent	Add to either	Add to either	Base + finish

Mounted Option

Paper Poster or Foam Board?

Foam board is our newest option — mounted, rigid, and ready to display without a frame.

// paper poster

Paper Poster

Flexible, lightweight, and the most affordable option. Rolls up for easy transport — the right pick for framing, portfolios, or anything temporary.

// foam board

Foam Board Print

Your image mounted on rigid 3/16″ foam board. Stands on its own on an easel, hangs without warping, and holds up to handling — ideal for trade shows, real estate signage, and photo displays.

Common Questions

FAQ

Can I laminate a matte poster, or only gloss?

Either — lamination is a clear protective layer that goes over either base finish without changing its look much.

Does lamination change the colour?

Slightly — it can add a small amount of extra saturation, more noticeable over gloss than matte. We can show you a sample before you commit.

What paper stock do you print on?

8mil professional-grade poster stock as standard, with heavier options available for mounted or long-term display.

Can I get a poster mounted on foam board instead of paper?

Yes — pick Foam Board as your material when you request a quote. It's available in the same sizes as our paper posters, mounted and trimmed to size, ready to display without a frame.

Still Deciding?

Ask Us In Person.

Bring your file in and we'll show you matte and gloss samples side by side before you order.

Get a Quote