matting — A dull surface or finish, especially on paint, photographs, or paper

an artist holds up two identical portrait paintings side by side for comparison. One painting has a shiny, reflective surface that gleams under the studio lights. The other painting displays a completely dull, non-reflective surface that absorbs the light. The artist points at the difference between the glossy and matte finishes. A student nearby squints and nods while observing the contrast between the two surface treatments. The art supplies on the table show bottles labeled for different finish types. a dull surface or finish, especially on paintings and artistic works