Whether you’re promoting your small business, advertising an event or just need to get the word out about your brand, understanding poster materials makes a big difference to how a finished print looks, feels and holds up in a storefront window. This guide will help you pick the best poster paper material based on how and where you plan to use it. We’ll cover different types of poster paper, when to use each one and what to consider when printing.
- The main differences between the type of finish and poster material—glossy, matte, satin and canvas—come down to color vibrancy and how they handle lighting.
- Paper weight and thickness affect the feel and durability of your poster and how it holds up over time.
- The best poster materials for indoor use are glossy and matte. Synthetic or laminated materials are better for outdoor displays.
- Eco-friendly poster paper options include recycled or FSC-certified paper, which offer sustainable printing without compromising on quality.
- Match poster materials with your printing method to make sure your design looks sharp, clean and professional.
Types of poster materials
Glossy poster paper
Glossy poster paper offers a shiny, smooth finish that enhances vibrant colors and design details. While a glossy finish makes colors on a poster pop, it’s also reflective and can make fingerprints more visible.
Best for: High-impact visuals, product photos and promotions. Glossy paper is a popular choice for event posters and long-lasting indoor displays in retail spaces.
Two hanging posters for DEW
Learn how to design a poster and get inspiration from these creative poster design ideas.
Matte poster paper
Matte poster paper has a flat, non-glossy finish with a smooth texture. Matte paper is easier to read from a distance with no glare, but the colors may appear more muted compared to glossy lamination finishes.
Source: Wall posters in a poke shop
Best for: Posters with lots of text or subtle graphics. The non-reflective surface means a matte finish is often used in educational spaces, offices and for informational displays.
Satin/semi-gloss paper
Satin or semi-gloss paper has a slight sheen that lands somewhere between matte and glossy. It’s known for its rich color reproduction without a high-shine look, but it can still cause some reflection under certain lighting.
Best for: Professional posters that need to balance vibrant colors with clarity, such as business signage, conference displays and indoor promotions.
Canvas and fabric
Canvas and fabric posters have a textured surface with a premium, artistic look. While these poster materials are durable, they are more expensive and not ideal for bulk prints.
Best for: High-end or decorative posters that are framed or mounted, for example in galleries and retail stores. Canvas is also a good poster material for outdoor signs because of its durability.
A banner and poster for a kombucha brand
For more design inspiration, explore our best poster templates and find the perfect style for your business.
Eco-friendly poster materials
Recycled and FSC-certified papers
Recycled and FSC-certified papers are made from post-consumer materials and responsibly sourced wood pulp. The look and feel are similar to traditional matte or satin finishes, with the added benefit of being more eco-friendly.
Best for: Environmentally-conscious businesses that want to reduce their carbon footprint.
Biodegradable poster materials
Biodegradable posters are made from innovative materials like stone paper or plant-based fibers. They offer a more sustainable option without sacrificing quality, helping brands to reduce waste and stay eco-friendly.
Best for: These materials are designed to break down more easily, making them ideal for short-term campaigns, temporary signage or event posters.
Poster paper weight and thickness
Paper weight plays a big role in how your poster feels, how professional it looks and how long it lasts. Heavyweight paper is thicker, more durable and less likely to curl, tear or crease, which is especially useful if your poster will be handled a lot. It also gives a more premium feel, which can make a strong impression on potential customers or passersby. If your poster will be rolled, mounted or reused, thicker paper will keep it looking fresh and protect it against damage.
When choosing a paper weight, consider how and where your poster will be displayed:
- Lightweight paper (around 100–120 lb) is affordable and great for short-term promotions or indoor use.
- A heavier paper weight (150 lb or more) is the better choice for posters that need to hold up in high-traffic areas or long-term displays.
Wall posters for a donut shop
Best poster materials for indoor and outdoor use
Best poster materials for indoor use
Glossy and matte posters are both great options for indoor spaces. Depending on your poster’s purpose:
- Glossy finishes are ideal for promotional posters in shops or events.
- Matte finishes are easier to read from a distance and reduce glare from indoor lighting, which makes them a great choice for text-heavy posters or informational displays.
- Satin is also a good option for a poster paper material that looks professional with a bit of sheen.
Best poster materials for outdoor use
Outdoor posters need to be more durable so that they can stand up to the elements. Look for poster material types that are UV-resistant and waterproof, such as synthetic paper or laminated finishes. These materials help keep your poster looking clear and professional, even in direct sunlight or bad weather.
A satin or matte lamination finish is also a great way to add durability without changing the appearance. Whether it’s a sidewalk sign or posters in shop windows, outdoor displays are best when made from materials that won’t fade, wrinkle or fall apart after a few days outside.
Planning a large-scale outdoor display? Read our guide on poster sizes to make sure your design stands out.
A poster and banner promoting a flash sale
Printing compatibility: Match paper type to printing method
Best materials for digital printing
Glossy, matte and satin types of paper all work well with digital printing. Digital printers deliver high-resolution results and can easily handle coated papers. Coatings help the ink sit on top of the paper so colors appear sharp and vibrant.
Best materials for screen printing and large formats
If you’re printing in large quantities or screen printing your design, make sure your paper is thick enough to absorb ink evenly. Heavier matte or satin papers work best. The paper texture also affects how the ink appears, so it’s generally best to avoid overly textured materials.
A retail poster with a holiday sale discount offer
Choosing poster materials for your business type
Retail and pop-up shops
Use glossy or satin finishes to create bright, eye-catching visuals for retail posters. These materials are perfect for highlighting product images, bold discounts and special promotions that need to grab attention fast. Glossy posters make colors look more eye-catching, while satin has a polished look without too much shine.
For outdoor signs, use weather-resistant materials like synthetic paper or laminated posters, so that your message doesn’t get missed even in rain or bright sunlight. A well-printed poster can help draw people into your store and showcase the offers you want them to see first.
Service-based businesses
Matte or satin finishes offer a more professional look that’s ideal for window signage or interior displays where clarity matters. These materials are great for posters that focus on key services, special offers or important information that customers need to read quickly. A matte finish reduces glare, making it easier to see text and QR codes that direct people to your website or booking page. Keeping your design clean and easy to read helps build trust and makes it easier for customers to follow the call to action.
Events and conferences
Go for lightweight, rollable poster papers that are easy to travel with and take to events with you. Use a matte finish to avoid glare from overhead lighting, and if you want to leave a lasting impression, remember that posters also make great leave-behinds after events or meetings.
Students and educators
Matte paper is the best choice for easy reading in classrooms or hallways. Glossy paper works well for creative projects, or choose canvas if you’re printing something permanent or for outdoor use.
Poster materials FAQs
What are posters made of?
Posters are typically made from coated paper like glossy, matte or satin, but they can also be printed on canvas, fabric or synthetic materials. Each poster material has its own benefits depending on how durable or high-end you need your poster to be.
What should I include on my poster?
Include a clear headline, your main message, a strong visual and your contact information or call to action. Keep the layout clean and remember to keep your brand consistent across all print marketing materials.
How to add a QR code to posters?
You can generate a QR code and download it using our free tool. Its position on your poster should be visible and easy to scan. Usually, this is the bottom corner or near your call to action.
How do I print a poster?
Choose a design template, select the paper material and size, then customize the design using an online printing service like VistaPrint. If uploading a design file, make sure it’s high-resolution so your poster looks sharp and professional when printed.
What is the best way to hang a poster?
To hang a poster effectively, use poster strips, pushpins, frames or poster rails depending on the surface and how long you want the poster to stay up. If you’re planning to reuse it, choose a method that won’t damage the material.
What are other print marketing materials?
Other common print marketing materials include flyers, brochures and business cards—all designed to share key information quickly and clearly. Hand them out or leave them behind at events to help spread the word about your business.
