FAQTH

Holo, Glitter, Gloss or Matte — which finishing should you pick?

Finishing is the surface texture your extend art background is printed on. Same artwork, four different surfaces — here is how Holo, Glitter, Gloss and Matte compare, with examples of each.

August 25, 2026

Every extend art print comes in your choice of finishing — the surface texture we print the background on. The artwork is identical in all four; what changes is how the surface plays with light. There are four options: Holo, Glitter, Gloss and Matte.

Here is what each one looks like and when to pick it.

Holo — foil shimmer

Holo finishing — a holographic foil shimmer sweeps across the printed background as the light moves.
Holo finishing — a holographic foil shimmer sweeps across the printed background as the light moves.

Holo is our signature finishing and the default on every product page. A holographic foil layer runs across the whole background, so the print catches a rainbow sweep as you tilt it or walk past it. It reads closest to how a foil card feels in hand — most collectors pick this one.

Glitter — fine sparkle

Glitter finishing — fine sparkle embedded across the surface of the printed background.
Glitter finishing — fine sparkle embedded across the surface of the printed background.

Glitter carries a fine sparkle embedded evenly across the surface. Instead of one moving band of light, the whole print twinkles. It pairs naturally with cards whose own texture is sparkly — think glitter-foil promos and textured special arts.

Gloss — smooth and reflective

Gloss finishing — a smooth, reflective surface that keeps colors deep and punchy.
Gloss finishing — a smooth, reflective surface that keeps colors deep and punchy.

Gloss is a smooth, reflective surface with no added texture. Colors come out deep and punchy, and dark backgrounds stay rich. If you want the artwork itself to do all the talking, this is the clean, classic choice.

Matte — glare-free

Matte finishing — a glare-free surface that stays readable under strong display lighting.
Matte finishing — a glare-free surface that stays readable under strong display lighting.

Matte diffuses light instead of reflecting it. No glare under spotlights, no reflections in photos. If your display shelf sits under strong lighting, or you photograph your collection often, Matte keeps every detail readable from any angle.

Which one should you pick?

  • Want the classic COLLEX look — pick Holo. It is the default for a reason.
  • Your card itself is sparkly or textured — Glitter matches its energy.
  • You want maximum color depth with no added texture — Gloss.
  • Your shelf has strong lighting, or you shoot photos of your display — Matte.

Still unsure? Send us the card you have in mind and we will recommend one.

FAQ

Does the finishing change the artwork?

No. All four finishings use exactly the same print of exactly the same artwork. Only the surface texture changes — how the print catches and plays with light.

Which finishing is the most popular?

Holo, by a wide margin. It is the default option on every product page and the finishing most of our customers choose, because the foil shimmer reads closest to a real foil card.

Can I order the same card in two finishings?

Yes. Add the print to your cart once per finishing — each print carries its own finishing, so you can compare them side by side or keep one and gift the other.

Does the finishing touch my actual card or slab?

No. Finishing applies to the printed background only. Your card stays sealed in its slab exactly as graded — the print is a separate piece the slab sits against.

Can you help me choose before I order?

Of course. Message us on Facebook with the card you want extended and we will recommend the finishing that suits its art best.

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