Practical guide · 7 September 2026
Start with the effect you want to keep
For a deck without holographic reflections, choose a matte finish on both sides. To make light part of the design, holographic-front / matte-back paper pairs shifting reflections with a matte reverse. You are choosing the look of the paper; a sheet printed with your inks lets you judge the result.
Check both sides before laying out your file
For a double-sided creation, identify which face you want to use on each side before printing. The available holographic reference is described with a holographic front and a matte back; the matte reference is described as matte on both sides. Prepare a file that respects this choice instead of expecting an identical rendering on every side.
The useful comparison happens on a test sheet
Print the same permitted design on a sheet of each finish, let it dry according to your equipment instructions and compare under the same lighting. Note your printer, inks and settings. Store visuals are illustrative: no photographic comparison of actual prints is presented here.