--- title: Matte Finish vs Gloss Finish In PCB Solder Mask Design description: Learn about the differences in PCB solder mask design options when considering using matte finish versus a gloss finish. image: https://www.epectec.com/images/pcb-soldermask-gloss-vs-matte.jpg --- [![Epec Engineered Technologies](https://www.epectec.com/images/logo.png "Epec Engineered Technologies")](https://www.epectec.com/) [![Epec Engineered Technologies](https://www.epectec.com/images/logo.png "Epec Engineered Technologies")](https://www.epectec.com/) - [Articles](https://www.epectec.com/articles/) - [Blog](https://blog.epectec.com/) - [Webinars](https://www.epectec.com/webinar/) - [Videos](https://www.epectec.com/videos/) - [Case Studies](https://www.epectec.com/case-studies/) - [News & Events](https://www.epectec.com/news/) - [Customer Portal](https://system.netsuite.com/c.406760/site/NSlogin.html) - [About](https://www.epectec.com/about/overview/) - Back - [Company Overview](https://www.epectec.com/about/overview/) - 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[Register](https://secure.epecpcb.com/epec/index2.jsp) - [Home](https://www.epectec.com/) - [Blog](https://blog.epectec.com/) - Matte Finish vs Gloss Finish In PCB Solder Mask Design Share This Page: [LinkedIn](https://blog.epectec.com/#linkedin) [X](https://blog.epectec.com/#x) [Facebook](https://blog.epectec.com/#facebook) [Email](https://blog.epectec.com/#email) # Matte Finish vs Gloss Finish In PCB Solder Mask Design [![Chris Perry](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog-Authors/chris-perry.jpg "Chris Perry")](https://blog.epectec.com/author/chris-perry) Written by [Chris Perry](https://blog.epectec.com/author/chris-perry) Posted on March 27, 2015 at 9:47 AM ![Chris Perry](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog-Authors/chris-perry.jpg "Chris Perry") - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) When selecting [solder mask](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/soldermask-design-basics.html) for a [printed circuit board](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/), designers often focus on color, material, and process requirements while leaving the final surface appearance unspecified. In many cases, the PCB fabricator defaults to a gloss finish because it is the more commonly used option. However, the choice between a matte and gloss solder mask can influence more than appearance. Although both finishes are governed by the same solder mask requirements and fabrication processes, there are differences in visual characteristics, assembly considerations, and soldering performance that may affect the final design. ## Do Matte and Gloss Solder Masks Have Different Specification Requirements? From a standards perspective, matte and gloss finishes are treated the same. Requirements for solder mask performance are defined within IPC-SM-840C Qualification and Performance of Permanent Solder Mask. The specification provides a framework for evaluating solder mask materials and production processes so that designers, manufacturers, and users can collectively qualify the PCB fabrication process. ![Gloss Finish & Matte Finish Solder Mask](https://www.epectec.com/images/pcb-soldermask-gloss-vs-matte.jpg "Gloss Finish & Matte Finish Solder Mask") *Printed Circuit Boards with Gloss & Matte Mask Finish* The distinction between matte and gloss finishes is not driven by different solder mask requirements, but rather by the characteristics of the [finished surface](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/surface-finish-options.html). ## How Matte and Gloss Finishes Differ The most obvious difference is appearance. A gloss solder mask reflects light and generally appears brighter in color. A matte solder mask has little or no shine and typically appears darker. [![Learn Our Insider Tips for Selecting PCB Laminate Materials](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/707152/d8c85091-1baf-4246-92e9-56e4e32c03f5.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/707152/d8c85091-1baf-4246-92e9-56e4e32c03f5) The finishes also differ in surface characteristics. Matte solder mask tends to have a softer, more porous appearance, while gloss solder mask presents a harder shell-like finish. Despite these differences, PCB fabrication processes remain largely the same for both options, and any cost difference is typically minimal. For many applications, finish selection is driven primarily by visual preference unless assembly or manufacturing considerations make one option more advantageous. ## Surface Durability and Cosmetic Considerations Both finishes have strengths and limitations when it comes to handling and appearance. Matte finishes may be more susceptible to scratching because of their softer surface characteristics. However, scratches can be more noticeable on gloss surfaces because reflected light makes surface imperfections easier to see. Matte finishes may also reveal cosmetic surface conditions such as white haze or residue more readily than gloss finishes. Gloss solder mask tends to mask these visual effects more effectively due to its reflective surface. As a result, cosmetic appearance after fabrication or assembly may vary depending on the selected finish. ## How Solder Mask Finish Can Affect Automated Assembly One practical consideration involves optical alignment and inspection systems used during PCB assembly. The high reflectivity of gloss solder mask can create challenges for vision systems that rely on image recognition and contrast. Because of this, solder mask clearances around fiducials become particularly important when gloss finishes are used. Matte finishes produce less reflected light and may provide improved visual contrast for automated systems. For PCB designs that rely heavily on optical inspection or vision-assisted assembly processes, finish selection can become a manufacturing consideration rather than simply an aesthetic one. ## Why CMs Often Associate Matte Finishes with Fewer Solder Balls Many Contract Manufacturers (CMs) report that matte solder mask is less susceptible to solder ball formation than gloss solder mask. When evaluating causes of [solder balls](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/wave-soldering-defects/solder-balls.html), manufacturers often identify solder mask characteristics as a significant contributing factor, along with flux selection. Solder balls commonly appear on the bottom side of printed circuit boards, and their visibility has increased with the widespread use of no clean, low-residue soldering processes. Although matte finishes are frequently associated with improved results, the exact mechanism behind solder ball formation remains an area of ongoing investigation. ## Surface Roughness and Solder Behavior Several factors have been proposed as contributors to solder ball formation, including: - Glass transition temperature - Surface energy - Hardness - Flux types - Presence of moisture - Surface roughness Among these factors, surface roughness has consistently been considered an important influence. According to a technical report from Vantico (formerly Ciba Specialty Chemicals), molten solder behaves differently on rough and smooth surfaces. On rougher matte surfaces, molten solder forms a convex meniscus. On smoother gloss surfaces, molten solder forms a concave meniscus. The convex meniscus created on a matte surface reduces the available area for solder ball attachment. As a result, solder balls may not adhere as readily to a matte surface as they do to a smoother gloss surface. While this explanation has been widely discussed, the source notes that the exact mechanism behind solder ball generation is still not fully understood. ## What Studies Have Reported About Gloss Levels and Soldering Defects? Multiple studies have examined the relationship between solder mask gloss levels and soldering defects generated during [wave soldering](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/wave-soldering-defects/). These studies found that photo-imaged gloss levels influenced the occurrence of solder defects, including: - Solder balls - Solder bridges - Solder shorts Reported results showed that defect levels increased as gloss levels increased. Reducing gloss levels decreased solder ball formation more rapidly than it reduced solder bridges and solder shorts. The studies further suggested that eliminating solder shorting may require an even lower gloss level than what is needed to reduce solder ball formation. [![Not Sure If Your PCB Design Is Manufacturable? Submit a FREE DFM Today!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/707152/350a16ae-48d0-477e-92d9-60329f90ac2f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/707152/350a16ae-48d0-477e-92d9-60329f90ac2f) ## Summary For most PCB designs, matte and gloss solder masks meet the same functional requirements and can be fabricated using the same manufacturing processes. When appearance is the primary consideration, selection often comes down to visual preference. However, designs that rely on automated vision systems or that are particularly sensitive to solder ball formation may benefit from evaluating solder mask finish as part of the overall manufacturing strategy. Understanding the tradeoffs between surface appearance, optical performance, cosmetic concerns, and soldering behavior can help designers select the finish that best supports their assembly and reliability objectives. --- ## Key Takeaways - **Finish Choice Is Often Left Undecided:** Many designers do not specify a solder mask finish, leaving the decision to PCB fabricators, who typically default to gloss due to its popularity and aesthetic appeal. - **Gloss vs. Matte: Mostly Aesthetic, But Not Always:** Gloss finishes appear shiny and reflect light, while matte finishes are darker and non-reflective. Although the fabrication process and cost are largely the same, the visual and handling properties differ. - **Matte Finish May Reduce Solder Balls:** Matte solder masks are often reported to cause fewer solder balls during assembly, likely due to surface roughness influencing solder behavior. A rough surface creates a convex meniscus, making solder balls less likely to stick. - **Vision Systems Can Struggle with Gloss:** Gloss finishes can interfere with optical inspection or vision systems due to their reflectivity. Matte finishes offer better contrast and visibility, especially around fiducials. - **Defect Rates Correlate with Gloss Levels:** Studies show that higher gloss levels are associated with more soldering defects like balls, bridges, and shorts. Reducing gloss may help reduce solder balls, though eliminating bridging requires even lower gloss levels. - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Topics: [Printed Circuit Boards](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/printed-circuit-boards), [Quality Solutions](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/quality-solutions), [Product Design](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/product-design) --- [Next](https://blog.epectec.com/engineering-from-a-womans-perspective) | [All posts](https://blog.epectec.com/all) | [Previous](https://blog.epectec.com/dealing-with-cable-assembly-obsolescence) [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/707152/e6dcf3d7-0e60-4b77-838d-7d675b476364.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/707152/e6dcf3d7-0e60-4b77-838d-7d675b476364) ## Leave a Comment --- ## Related Posts --- ### Recent Posts --- ### Posts by Topic - [Printed Circuit Boards (160)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/printed-circuit-boards) - [Product Design (137)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/product-design) - [Battery Packs (121)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/battery-packs) - [Cable Assemblies (102)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/cable-assemblies) - [Flex & Rigid-Flex PCB's (95)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/flex-rigid-flex-pcbs) - [Electronics Industry (61)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/electronics-industry) - [User Interfaces (55)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/user-interfaces) - [Quality Solutions (33)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/quality-solutions) - [Flexible Heaters (30)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/flexible-heaters) - [Events, Training, and Support (9)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/events-training-and-support) - [RF Products (7)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/rf-products) - [CNC Machining (3)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/cnc-machining) - [Fans & Motors (1)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/fans-motors) See All --- --- ### Need Help with A Project? 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