Lustre Coating?

[JohnT]

What is Lustre Coating as provided by Mpix?

[suzyjazz]

Good question. I had one of each in the same order and I could not tell the difference.

[Jay Henley]

this is my take on it. The lustre coating is like matte coating but not as much coating on it as you would remember from photos from other places in the past...... So you would think not checking the Lustre check box would give you glossy...... but it still looks like it has some kind of coating. I agree with Suzy, not much difference. I have been leaving the box un-checked. That is the best answer I have at the moment.

[gbux61]

All I can add is that I use lustre all of the time now. Whatever it is it resists fingerprints much better than the glossy finish.

[akimartymar]

The luster coating is totally different than choosing matte, glossy, or luster finish prints. A luster finish print is the same as some online lab call E-surface. Luster finish looks much more professional if you ask me. Luster COATING is a protective coating applied to the finished product that helps block UV, fingerprints, ETC... The matte coating is the same thing without as much sheen. I would recommend getting anything you get that is large and mounted coated. If it is going to be shown behind glass it doesn't really matter as much.

[Wes]

Below is a cut and paste from the on-line support documentation at ExposureManager.com

Glossy finish is the shiny, rich-looking paper most people are traditionally used to. It tends to show fine detail better, but also shows fingerprints better.

Matte finish is a highly textured print finish that resists fingerprints and scratches. It is much more dull, and does not reflect light, Many photographers use matte finishes for wallet prints because they usually get handled more than normal. Some also use it for poster-sized prints to reduce glare.

Lustre finish is not as shiny as glossy, but not as flat (dull) as matte finish paper. Lustre paper has a textured finish (some call it "pebbled" that hides fingerprints. Most portraits and wedding photos are typically printed on Lustre finish paper.

Metallic finish is a high gloss finish with very saturated colors. It appears as though the image is printed on metal (It almost compares to the back side of aluminum foil). Images tend to really "pop" when they are done on metallic paper. However, note that "highs" (bright areas) have a tendency to be "blown out" and over-highlighted on metallic paper.

[CobyPhoto]

There seems to be confusion here (on some parts) about finish and coating. Lustre Finish is the surface of the paper used to print the photo on; Lustre Coating is a sprayed on protective lacquer OVER the paper.

I use Lustre Finish paper on almost all my prints, however, I use a Matte Special Coating over the Lustre finished paper when done.

You can actually have your prints done on a Glossy Finish (Surfaced) paper and then have them sprayed with Lustre or Matte coating if you so desire.

Lustre Coating (Spray) is there to protect the paper from moisture, finger prints and UV light. All of my studio prints come with this coating, in a finish depending upon what the customer chooses. If you want to offer top quality, this should be a standard feature included with your prints. We spray Matte Special Coating on ALL prints 4x5" and up.

CJ

[JohnT]

Thanks, everyone.

[HotHolly]

Originally Posted by akimartymar

Luster COATING is a protective coating applied to the finished product that helps block UV, fingerprints, ETC...

Luster COATING - Millers or MPIX states that almost verbatim somewhere on their site. I think it also includes dust blocking.

Luster finish is stated above...they are different.

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by HotHolly

Luster COATING - Millers or MPIX states that almost verbatim somewhere on their site. I think it also includes dust blocking.

You're right, it's there. I just couldn't find it the first time for some reason.

What is Lustre Coating?

Water-based lustre coating is an environmentally friendly, non-flammable coating which protects against UV light, finger prints and dust. Please note: Our lustre coating is not visible. It does not change the look of the image in any way.