Most gala designers default to matte. It reads as architectural and sophisticated under warm event lighting. Gloss black photographs sharper but can pick up reflections that compete with the table.

Less than you'd expect with the matte finish. Gloss shows them more. We include a microfiber cloth with most sets and most caterers wipe down between courses regardless of finish.

Covered outdoor only. Direct sun for hours can warm the acrylic. Tented, shaded, or evening outdoor setups are completely fine.

Strong with white plates, fruit, and pastry. Less strong with dark-on-dark — most designers add a white or marble layer between the black plinth and dark food to give visual separation.