Gloss Lamination or Matte Lamination: Which Is Better for Book and Magazine Covers?

When it comes to books printing and magazine printing, one of the most common questions publishers, authors, and marketing teams ask is:
Should the book or magazine cover use gloss lamination or matte lamination?

As a professional printing manufacturer, Wellbeen Printing Industrial Co., Ltd. works closely with publishers, media companies, and brands to produce custom print books, magazines, and promotional publications. Based on our experience, there is no single “best” option—only the option that best fits your project’s purpose, design, and usage.

Before comparing gloss and matte lamination, it’s important to understand why lamination is essential.

Why Lamination Is Essential for Book and Magazine Covers

Today, almost every professionally produced book or magazine requires cover lamination. Lamination is not just about appearance—it is about protection.

Laminated covers help to:

• Protect books from wear and frequent handling

• Prevent water, moisture, and humidity damage

• Reduce oil stains and dirt from hands

• Extend the lifespan of books and magazines during storage and transportation

Without lamination, covers—especially for custom print books and magazines—can easily bend, scratch, or become damaged. For projects that need to be shipped internationally or displayed in retail environments, lamination is a basic requirement in professional book printing.

Gloss Lamination: Vibrant Colors and Strong Protection

Gloss lamination gives book and magazine covers a shiny, reflective finish. One of its biggest advantages is how it enhances color. Under gloss film, colors appear brighter, richer, and more eye-catching.

Key advantages of gloss lamination:

• More vibrant and saturated colors

• Strong contrast for images and photographs

• Better resistance to scratches and scuffs

• Easy to clean and maintain

Because of these features, gloss lamination is widely used in:

• Magazine printing

• Children’s books

• Marketing and promotional publications

• Photo-heavy book covers

If your project relies on visual impact and needs to attract attention quickly, gloss lamination is often the preferred choice in professional books printing.

Matte Lamination: Elegant, Modern, and Premium

Matte lamination creates a smooth, non-reflective surface that feels soft to the touch. It does not produce glare under light, making it comfortable to read and visually refined.

Key advantages of matte lamination:

• No reflection or glare

• A calm, elegant, and premium look

• Ideal for text-focused or minimalist designs

• Popular in high-end and professional publications

Matte lamination is commonly chosen for:

• Literary and academic books

• Business publications

• Brand books and portfolios

• High-end custom print books

One limitation of matte lamination is that it is more prone to visible scratches and rub marks compared to gloss lamination, especially on dark-colored covers. This does not affect durability but should be considered during design.

How to Choose the Right Lamination for Your Project

When choosing between gloss and matte lamination, we recommend considering:

• How the book or magazine will be used

• How often it will be handled

• Whether durability or premium appearance is more important

For high-volume magazine printing or projects requiring strong protection, gloss lamination is often more practical. For books that focus on branding, aesthetics, or professional presentation, matte lamination may be the better option.

In many book printing projects, we also combine lamination with finishing techniques such as spot UV, embossing, or foil stamping to balance durability and visual appeal.

Our Professional Recommendation

At Wellbeen Printing Industrial Co., Ltd., we support our clients through every stage of production—from material selection to cover finishing. With years of experience in books printing, magazine printing, and custom print books, we help publishers and brands choose the most suitable lamination for their specific needs.

Choosing the right lamination may seem like a small decision, but it makes a significant difference in quality, durability, and reader experience.
With the right printing partner, that decision becomes much easier.