Mattomalla

Mattomalla is a Finnish term used in design, manufacturing, and marketing to describe a matte surface finish on materials and products. The label signals reduced reflectivity, a non-glossy appearance, and a softer visual impression. In product descriptions and technical specifications, mattomalla finishes are contrasted with gloss and satin finishes to convey the intended surface character.

Linguistically, mattomalla is formed from the adjective matta meaning matte, combined with the adessive case ending -lla, which in Finnish marks location or state “on the matte surface.” The form appears commonly in phrases such as mattomalla pinnalla or mattomalla viimeistelyllä, indicating a surface presented in a matte condition.

Properties and trade-offs of mattomalla finishes include glare reduction, more uniform color perception, and a subdued look that hides minor surface imperfections. A matte surface can feel softer to the touch and may help reduce reflections in bright environments. However, matte coatings can be more prone to showing fingerprints and smudges over time and may have different wear resistance compared with high-gloss finishes, depending on the materials and application methods used.

Applications span electronics screens and housings, automotive interiors, furniture, lighting fixtures, packaging, and textiles. In manufacturing, mattomalla finishes are achieved through various processes such as specialized coatings, pigment dispersions, or surface texturing that scatters light rather than reflecting it. The choice of finish depends on desired aesthetics, durability, and functional requirements.

See also: gloss finish, satin finish, surface finish, coatings.