Matte vs Glossy
Gear forum
Posted on Sept. 27, 2015, 6:11 p.m. by randomguy123
Quick question: What is the difference between Matte and Glossy? Not necessarily the terminology or definition -- I can look that up on the internet -- but what the differences are when you play with them. Is one more durable, is one easier to shuffle, etc.
Epochalyptik says... #3
Matte finishes are superior in stick resistance. That's the fundamental difference.
If you have one deck sleeved in matte sleeves and another in glossy, the glossy sleeves will eventually accumulate grime (sweat, dead skin, table gunk, dust) and will begin sticking to one another. Matte sleeves may eventually reach the same state, but they take much longer to do so. They shuffle more smoothly and are uniform in performance. Glossy sleeves begin extremely slippery and end up extremely sticky. Matte is pretty consistent in feel and performance.
Of course, the downside to reduced stickiness is the fact that if you tip your deck over, it'll spill everywhere.
September 27, 2015 6:24 p.m.
zyphermage says... #4
Yeah I've had the last part happen a few times. Most of the time with new sleeves.
September 27, 2015 6:31 p.m.
Pretty much what everyone is already saying. Though to add to that, I find matte sleeves to be a bit more see-through in most cases. That shouldn't make too big a difference though.
September 27, 2015 6:55 p.m.
Serendipitous_Hummingbird says... #6
Gloss looks better for foil cards. Matte looks more professional. Gloss also tends to show scratches much more easily. Also, never use gloss backs.
-Fulcrum says... #2
I find matte easier to shuffle and it feels better in the hand.
September 27, 2015 6:20 p.m.