What is the Difference Between Lustre and Metallic?

The main difference between Lustre and Metallic photo papers lies in their appearance, texture, and the way they reproduce colors and details. Here are the key differences:

Lustre:
Lustre photo paper is a popular choice for its realistic color reproductions and lustre finish.
It offers a pearl-like texture that is a great choice for portrait and wedding shots.
Lustre finish paper is a compromise between glossy and matte papers, taking the best points from each. It has the rich color and skin tones of glossy paper and the subtle texturing and fingerprint resistance of a matte finish.
Lustre paper is a common professional choice and is offered as a standard option for prints in pro photo labs.
It is versatile and suitable for various types of photography.
Metallic:
Metallic photo paper prints provide saturated, rich colors, a great deal of shimmer and glossiness, and an impressive level of detail.
Metallic paper is perfect for pictures of metals, reflections, vibrantly-colored scenes, landscapes, and black and white shots.
It has a 3D effect, bringing out the light in the image with a slight shimmer.
Metallic paper is extremely durable, with a pearl surface that is resistant to tearing and curling.
It is best framed without glass, as it can create a glare when used with glass.
Metallic prints are usually more expensive and can be produced in large formats.

In summary, Lustre photo paper is a versatile and professional choice for various types of photography, offering a balance between glossy and matte finishes. On the other hand, Metallic photo paper is ideal for images with vibrant colors, high contrast, and a 3D effect, providing a unique and eye-catching appearance.