When users notice that the same image looks slightly different on glossy photo paper compared to matte paper—or on fabric compared to vinyl—the first question that comes to mind is: Why doesn’t my graphic printer produce identical colors on every material?

In our previous discussion about factors that influence color accuracy, we explored how hardware, ink, and preparation affect print realism. Today, we look at one of the most common everyday concerns: why colors shift depending on the material, even when using the same graphic printer.

Understanding this helps individual users achieve more predictable, stable, and visually accurate results—regardless of what they print.

1. How Ink Absorption Changes Color Appearance

Every material absorbs ink differently.
Some absorb more ink, some hardly absorb at all, and some hold ink on the surface.

• Glossy paper: Keeps ink on the surface, producing sharp, vibrant colors.

• Matte paper: Absorbs more ink, resulting in softer, less saturated tones.

• Fabric: Fibers spread the ink slightly, affecting sharpness and density.

• PVC or coated films: Repel ink differently, sometimes boosting saturation.

When absorption varies, colors appear brighter, darker, softer, or more vivid. Even with the best printer, the material’s physical structure plays a major role.

2. Surface Texture Affects Light Reflection

Color is not only about ink—it’s also about how light reflects off the printed surface.

Materials can be:

• Smooth

• Semi-smooth

• Textured

• Rough

A smooth surface reflects light evenly, making colors appear clean and sharp.
A textured surface scatters light, which can reduce contrast or cause slight color dullness.

This is why the same photo looks extremely crisp on glossy paper but more muted on canvas.

3. Coating Layers Directly Influence Color Stability

Many professional printing materials have surface coatings designed to control ink absorption.

For example:

• Photo paper has a special receiving layer.

• Some films use microporous coatings.

• Textile coatings help inks lock into the fibers.

If the coating is thin, inconsistent, or low-quality, color accuracy decreases.
This ties back to our earlier blog: good color output depends on both the printer and the media.

4. Different Materials Require Different ICC Profiles

Your graphic printer needs to know how a specific material behaves.
That is exactly what ICC profiles do—they match the printer, ink, and media into one calibrated system.

If you print on:

• glossy paper with a matte ICC profile

• fabric with a film ICC profile

…the colors will definitely shift.
Switching to the correct profile instantly improves accuracy.

5. Drying Behavior Also Affects the Final Color

Not all materials dry at the same speed.

• Some dry instantly

• Some take minutes

• Some take hours

During the drying process, color density changes slightly.
This is why prints on certain materials may look darker or lighter after they fully dry.

6. Environmental Conditions Change Material Behavior

Humidity, temperature, and airflow affect how the material interacts with ink.

For example:

• High humidity makes paper absorb ink more quickly

• Low humidity may cause static, affecting droplet placement

• Heat influences drying speed

Even small changes can subtly alter the final color on sensitive materials.

When your graphic printer shows different colors across different materials, it’s not a malfunction—it’s a natural result of how ink, surface texture, coatings, color profiles, and environmental factors interact.