Epson C4000 Gloss vs. Matte | Which Printer Should You Buy?
22nd Feb 2025
Epson ColorWorks C4000 Gloss vs. Matte Printer: Which One Should You Buy?
Choosing the right Epson ColorWorks C4000 printer depends on the types of labels you need to print. The C4000 Gloss and C4000 Matte models use different black ink formulations designed for specific label materials. Understanding their differences will help you select the best option for your business.
Key Differences Between the C4000 Gloss and C4000 Matte
Ink Type & Performance
Both the Epson C4000 Gloss and C4000 Matte use durable, pigment-based UltraChrome DL inks, which are BS5609 certified for chemical labeling compliance. However, their black ink formulations are different:
- Gloss Black Ink (SJIC41P-BK): Optimized for glossy, semi-gloss, and low-gloss materials. It contains smaller pigment particles, which bond better with glossy surfaces for a vibrant finish.
- Matte Black Ink (SJIC41P-MK): Designed for matte and textured materials. It has larger pigment particles, producing darker, richer blacks on matte paper, matte synthetic labels, and textured labels.
Media Compatibility
The biggest difference between the C4000 Gloss and C4000 Matte is the range of label materials they support:
- C4000 Gloss: Works well with glossy, semi-gloss, and low-gloss materials. It also prints on matte labels, making it the most versatile option for businesses that need flexibility.
- C4000 Matte: Best for printing on matte materials, including matte synthetic labels and GHS BS5609-compliant chemical labels. However, it is not suitable for glossy labels.
Explore the Epson C4000 labels available
Printing Applications
If your business primarily prints on matte labels, the C4000 Matte printer is the better choice. Its Matte Black ink delivers darker, richer blacks for pharmaceutical labels, chemical labels, and industrial compliance labels, where barcode readability and text clarity are critical.
If your business prints on a mix of glossy and matte labels, the C4000 Gloss is the better investment. Gloss Black ink adheres well to high-gloss, semi-gloss, and low-gloss materials, making it ideal for retail product labeling, food and beverage packaging, health supplements, and specialty labels. Additionally, the C4000 Gloss printer can also print on matte labels, providing greater flexibility in label production.
Which Epson C4000 Printer Should You Choose?
The decision between the C4000 Gloss and C4000 Matte comes down to your primary label material and whether you need the versatility to print both glossy and matte labels.
- Choose the Epson C4000 Gloss if you print primarily on glossy labels or need the flexibility to print on both glossy and matte materials. This version is the best option for most businesses since it supports a wider range of label types.
- Choose the Epson C4000 Matte if you exclusively print on matte paper, matte synthetic labels, or GHS BS5609-compliant matte chemical labels. This version provides the darkest, most durable black for barcode readability and regulatory labeling but is not suitable for glossy materials.
Since once the printer is initialized with either Gloss Black or Matte Black ink, it cannot be changed, it’s important to carefully decide upfront which version is best for your application.
Shop the Epson C4000 Series at OmegaBrand
OmegaBrand offers the Epson ColorWorks C4000 Gloss and C4000 Matte printers to meet the unique labeling needs of various industries. If you're unsure which model is right for you, our experts are here to help!