Choosing the right matte surface I Millwork & Cabinetry I REHAU

Embody elegance with matte

How to choose the right surface for your design

Matte surfaces are a must-have in modern design. Their low-sheen appearance and luxurious soft touch feel create a subtle yet sophisticated backdrop for stunning, unexpected material combinations. Whether paired with warm wood elements, artisanal ceramic backsplashes or bold marble countertops, this versatile finish lays a refined foundation that effortlessly flows from calming to exuberant design styles.

Read on to discover what to look for in a matte finish and explore three standout surface solutions to help you choose the right material for your next project.

What should I look for in a matte surface?

1. Fingerprint resistance:

Keeps surfaces looking polished, even in high-touch areas, reducing cleaning time and maintenance

2. Thermal healing:

Allows micro-scratches to be repaired with heat and friction, helping designs stay flawless over time

Tip: Use friction, a melamine foam sponge or paper towel, water and an iron to remove micro-scratches

3. Soft to the touch:

Enhances the tactile experience and adds a high-end quality to your designs

4. Bacteria resistant:

Supports cleaner environments, especially in kitchens, bathrooms and commercial spaces

What are popular matte surface options?

1. Standard high-pressure laminate (HPL)

Durable & versatile

High-pressure laminate (HPL) is made from pressed decorative paper, craft paper and resins. Its scratch resistance makes it a practical choice for both vertical and horizontal applications. Available in a wide range of colors, HPL offers flexibility across various design styles. However, when it comes to matte finishes, HPL has some limitations. Fingerprints tend to show more easily, and micro-scratches have minimal thermal healing. As a result, HPL may not deliver the refined matte experience that high-end projects demand.

Woodways Kloosterman Case Study-12_COLORLOOK - 1102856

2. Electron beam cured material

Performance meets elegance

This design-forward, durable surface is a soft matte HPL fortified with an advanced resin coating. It delivers ultra-low light reflectivity for a true matte look and offers a soft touch feel, making it ideal for premium designs. What sets this material apart is its thermal healing capability: micro-scratches can be repaired with heat, maintaining a flawless surface appearance over time. An electron beam cured material is a top choice for high-traffic environments with its enhanced anti-bacterial properties and resistance to impact, fingerprints, scratches, heat and chemicals. While this material excels in performance and aesthetics, it can be more brittle than standard HPL, so careful handling during fabrication is essential.

3. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) laminate

Cost-conscious & sustainable

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) laminate is a solid-extruded material with a UV-cured excimer lacquer, resulting in a soft super-matte finish with low light reflectivity and resistance to impact, fingerprints and scratches. The lacquer layer is 4 to 5 times thicker than clear PET film, offering enhanced durability for high-traffic environments. PET laminate is also cost-effective, making it a smart choice for large-scale commercial projects where aesthetics, performance and staying on budget matter. Some options on the market are made using recycled materials, appealing to clients seeking eco-conscious design solutions. However, PET laminate may offer limited color choices compared to alternate matte surface options.

By understanding the strengths and limitations of matte surface options, you can confidently select finishes that bring unwavering resilience and richly uninhibited elegance to your projects.

Ready to elevate your designs with matte surfaces? Let us introduce you to our RAUVISIO noir monotonic matte surface and RAUVISIO shade super-matte PET surface.

Lay a refined foundation with RAUVISIO noir

RAUVISIO noir™ monotonic matte surface is irresistibly lush and leaves nothing to chance by obscuring fingerprints and scratches. Linger with the visual and tactile sensations of seamless matte from every angle.

Learn more Request a sample

Blend resilience and softness with RAUVISIO shade

RAUVISIO shade™ super-matte PET surface unveils a space as a work of art. Its tactile finish is made of recyclable materials, allowing you to make a modern mark with sustainability in mind.

Learn more Request a sample

Overview of matte surface options:

	Advantages	Limitations
Standard high-pressure laminate (HPL)	Can be used in vertical or horizontal applications Scratch resistant Availability of color options	Very limited thermal healing of micro-scratches Fingerprints are more visible than other options
Electron beam cured material	Low light reflectivity, true matte surface Independent thermal healing of micro-scratches Fingerprint, impact and scratch resistant Soft touch finish Extreme heat and chemical resistance Enhanced anti-bacterial properties	Can be brittle
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) laminate	Can be an eco-conscious choice if made with recycled materials Soft touch finish Fingerprint, impact and scratch resistant Excimer lacquering for increased durability Value-engineered option for large commercial projects	Limited color choices compared to other options