mattierte

Mattierte is the past participle form of the German verb mattieren, meaning to reduce the gloss of a surface so that it appears non-reflective or diffused. A matte finish, or mattierte Oberfläche, scatters light to minimize reflections rather than creating a mirror-like reflection. The result is a velvety or satin-like appearance depending on the degree of diffusion.

To achieve mattification, manufacturers can use mechanical methods such as sandblasting, bead blasting, or grinding, chemical methods such as acid- or etching processes, or apply coatings that have a matte finish, like matte varnishes, powder coatings, or textured paints. Some processes produce a uniform matte surface, others produce micro-textures that influence feel and grip.

Common applications include architectural glass with a matte surface to reduce glare, metal parts with matte anodized or powder-coated finishes, wood surfaces treated with matte lacquers, plastics molded or painted with matte finishes, and paper or printed materials where a non-gloss surface suppresses reflections. In photography and design contexts, matte finishes are favored for reducing glare and ensuring legibility.

In usage, mattierte is contrasted with gloss (glänzend) and satin finishes. Matte finishes can help conceal fingerprints and wear but may appear less vibrant and provide less color pop under certain lighting. Maintenance generally requires soft cleaning to avoid scratching the textured surface; aggressive solvents can alter the finish. Etymology traces to the German word matt meaning dull and the verb mattieren.