Shiny but not hard. It still has a cushion feel but doesn't get dirty as fast & it seems to make the cork last longer. Over time it needs touched up, especially where cables run under the tape. Shellac is good for sprucing up old cork tape. Just clean the tape as much as possible, then put a few coats of amber shellac on. It will look much better. I have had bikes with shellac on cotton tape & I think it gives a better grip due to the hardened texture but I prefer cork tape. Don