What is better for posters - matte, glossy, semi-glossy, or laminated?

Lustre or semi glossy almost always looks sharper and represents the colors the best.

Sierra M, why not ask this question in "Illustration" also? I have a preference, but it may well be dependent upon the poster colors. Say, a poster of "Death of a Salesman"; the figure would seem more effective on a Matte background, while "A Chorus Line" may benefit from Glossy, to give a kick to the Broadway theme.

Photography has largely replaced the old methods of the lithographic process, such as etching, and hand lettering. Considering that, I think it falls back to the subject.

I agree with the respondent that noted that lamination is more a protective process. It would be utilized for durability, but would add expense to the poster process.

A graphic artist, perhaps, could give you more knowledgeable input. :(

It's an indication of how shiny the surface is. Matte is the least, glossy the best. Glossy looks cooler in some places but it can be hard to see if the lighting is harsh in your room due to the reflections.

depends. where will it be seen? outside maybe? then it has to be laminated. the other variations are like in photography: glossy is better for colors. I used to be a screen printer designing posters and actually printing them. they were used to announce events in the city so they weren't supposed to last more than a week maybe so that's different compared to art posters I guess.

though it looks sharper in semi-glossy, laminated will keep better care of it.