Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Matte or polished on metal buttons is not just a question of shine – the surface also changes the colour the eye perceives. The same silver looks light and cool as a mirror finish, soft and silvery grey in satin, flat and light in matte, and with a fine linear texture when brushed. In the Polkom colour chart these surfaces are separate codes, so you choose both the tone and the level of shine at the same time.
The five surfaces in the colour chart
- Mirror polish – a surface polished to a mirror. It reflects its surroundings: the fabric, the light, even your hand. Example: PK-G03 Mirror silver light.
- Gloss – a shiny but not mirror-like surface with a clear highlight. Examples: PK-M43 Silver gloss, PK-G02 Gunmetal gloss.
- Satin – a semi-matte surface with a soft, even sheen, without harsh bright spots. Examples: PK-M44 Light silver satin, PK-M09 Gunmetal satin.
- Matte – diffuses the light and has almost no highlight. The colour looks denser and “cleaner”. Examples: PK-M53 Silver matte, PK-M51 Graphite matte.
- Brushed – fine parallel lines that give a highlight in one direction and a texture visible up close. Examples: PK-P38 Silver brushed, PK-P42 Antique gunmetal brushed.
One tone, different surfaces: silver
Compare four silver samples from the chart. The tone is similar, but the impression is different.
A mirror finish does not show a colour of its own but a reflection. That is why a mirror button on a dark fabric looks darker and on a light one lighter. Satin shows the finish itself with a slight sheen at the edges. Matte looks the lightest and flattest, because it diffuses the light evenly. Brushed silver sits between satin and matte, but its lines give it a technical, “instrument-like” character.
The same with gunmetal and graphite
With dark tones, the effect is even stronger. Gloss gunmetal looks almost black in shadow and silvery where the light falls. The satin version is evenly grey and calmer. Matte graphite is the closest to a black button, but it remains metallic. Brushed antique gunmetal shows its texture even from a distance and works well on larger designs.
Comparison of the surfaces
| Surface | Reflection | Scratches and fingerprints | Best suited for | Example codes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mirror polish | mirror-like, strong | fine scratches and fingerprints show most easily | eveningwear, bags, small accents | PK-G03, PK-G04, PK-G07 |
| Gloss | clear highlight | visible on close inspection | classic coats, blazers, uniforms | PK-M43, PK-G02, PK-M64 |
| Satin | soft, diffused | hides them well | everyday clothing, jersey, shirts | PK-M44, PK-M09, PK-M66 |
| Matte | almost none | hardly visible, but the edges may polish over time | minimalist and menswear collections, workwear | PK-M53, PK-M51, PK-M10 |
| Brushed | directional, along the lines | scratches in the direction of the lines are barely noticeable | outerwear, bags, sportswear | PK-P38, PK-P42, PK-P37 |
The surface and the fabric
A good choice depends as much on the texture of the fabric as on its colour. A few practical rules:
Smooth and shiny fabrics
Satin, silk and taffeta take mirror and gloss buttons well – the shine of the metal continues the sheen of the fabric. A matte button on a shiny fabric can also be a strong move if you want contrast.
Wool, tweed and linen
On coarse and matte fabrics, satin and matte look natural. A mirror finish here often “shouts” and attracts more attention than the garment itself.
Denim and workwear
Satin, matte and brushed withstand wear best. On jeans buttons and rivets, a mirror finish quickly loses its shine with wear and washing.
Leather, bags and footwear
On smooth leather, gloss and mirror emphasise luxury, while on suede and nubuck satin and matte look better. On bags, the metal parts are touched constantly, so satin and brushed keep their appearance longer.
Jersey and knitwear
Soft surfaces such as satin and matte do not “compete” with the knit. On chunky knits, a brushed button adds texture in the same spirit.
The surface and the light
Gloss and mirror buttons take on the colour of the lighting: under warm shop lighting, silver looks more yellow, and in daylight more bluish. Matte and satin surfaces change much less. So when you compare samples with different surfaces, look at them in at least two places – by a window and under the lighting in which the garment will be sold.
How the surface looks after months of wear
The surface also determines how the button will age. A mirror finish is the first to show fine scratches from keys, bags and backpack straps. Gloss holds up better but also collects marks. Satin hides minor wear, because it diffuses light anyway. Matte can become smoother and shinier on the most prominent points where the button rubs against the fabric. A brushed finish hides scratches along the direction of the lines. If the garment will be worn every day, satin and brushed are the safest choice.
The surface in photos for an online shop
Mirror buttons reflect the studio lighting and often look white or black in photos instead of silver. Matte and satin buttons show their colour most faithfully. If you sell online, photograph the button in soft, diffused light and check that the photo matches the approved sample.
How to specify the surface in your inquiry
In the Polkom colour chart, the surface is part of the code. PK-G03 and PK-M44 are different surfaces, not just different shades. When you order several types of metal accessories for one style – buttons, snap buttons, buckles or cord ends – specify whether they should have the same surface, or whether you are deliberately combining, for example, a matte buckle with a gloss button. Not every code is possible on every article, so we confirm this when you inquire.
All Polkom metal finishes are nickel free, including the silvery tones that resemble nickel. The surface – matte, satin or gloss – does not change this.
Samples from the manufacturer
Polkom is a manufacturer of metal accessories with over 30 years of experience. Browse the metal buttons and the colours and finishes, choose two or three codes with different surfaces and write to us via the contact form. We will send samples so you can compare matte, satin and gloss on your fabric.
