Two Finishes, One Material
Every ARSTAR cultured marble product is available in two finish options: gloss (our standard finish) and matte (a premium upgrade). Both finishes use the same gel coat technology and offer the same non-porous, sealed surface — the difference is purely in texture and light reflection. Choosing between them is a design decision, not a durability one.
Gloss Finish: The Classic Choice
A gloss finish has a smooth, reflective surface that bounces light around the room. It is the traditional look for cultured marble and remains the most popular choice for several reasons:
- Bright and airy: Reflective surfaces make small bathrooms feel larger and brighter.
- Easy to clean: The ultra-smooth surface wipes down quickly with a soft cloth and mild soap.
- Classic aesthetic: Gloss pairs naturally with polished chrome, crystal, and traditional fixtures.
- Standard pricing: Gloss is our default finish, so there is no upcharge.
Matte Finish: The Modern Statement
A matte finish has a soft, velvety texture that absorbs light rather than reflecting it. It is increasingly popular in contemporary, industrial, and Scandinavian-inspired designs:
- Sophisticated and understated: Matte surfaces convey a sense of quiet luxury and refinement.
- Fingerprint-friendly: Ironically, matte finishes show fewer fingerprints and water spots than gloss, making them practical for busy bathrooms.
- On-trend: Matte finishes align with the current movement toward matte black faucets, brushed nickel hardware, and flat-panel cabinetry.
- Premium feel: The tactile quality of a matte surface adds a sensory dimension that gloss cannot replicate.
Comparison at a Glance
Here is how the two finishes stack up across key criteria:
- Light reflection: Gloss reflects light; matte absorbs it.
- Fingerprint visibility: Higher on gloss; lower on matte.
- Water spot visibility: Higher on gloss; lower on matte.
- Scratch visibility: Minor scratches are more visible on gloss; matte is more forgiving.
- Cleaning: Both are non-porous and easy to clean. Gloss may show streaks if not buffed dry; matte is more forgiving.
- Durability: Identical — the gel coat composition is the same for both finishes.
- Stain resistance: Identical — both are non-porous.
- Price: Gloss is standard (included); matte is a premium upgrade.
When to Choose Gloss
Gloss is the right choice when you want to maximize brightness in a bathroom with limited natural light, when your design leans traditional or transitional, or when budget is a priority and you want the standard finish at no additional cost. Gloss also pairs well with ARSTAR's Carrara and Calacatta veining colors, where the reflective surface enhances the depth and detail of the veining pattern.
When to Choose Matte
Matte is the right choice for modern and minimalist designs, bathrooms with plenty of natural light (where you do not need the added brightness of a reflective surface), and projects where you want to reduce the visibility of water spots and fingerprints. Matte works especially well with solid white and gray colors from our Minimalistic Collection — think a Capri or Catherine vanity top in matte white with a matte black faucet.
Matte on Shower Panels
ARSTAR's shower wall panels are also available in both finishes. A matte finish on a full-height shower panel in Calacatta Gray Solid or Solid White creates a spa-like atmosphere that is hard to achieve with tile. Because our panels eliminate grout lines entirely, the matte surface flows uninterrupted from floor to ceiling — a striking visual effect.
Can You Mix Finishes?
Absolutely. Some designers specify a gloss vanity top to brighten the vanity area and matte shower panels to create a calm, diffused ambiance in the shower. As long as the color matches (and ARSTAR ensures color consistency across both finishes in the same color), mixing finishes adds visual interest and depth to the bathroom.
Ready to Choose?
Browse ARSTAR's full color and finish options on our vanity tops and shower panels pages. If you would like to see and feel the difference between matte and gloss in person, request free samples from our team. We ship sample chips within 3 – 5 business days so you can make your decision with confidence.
