Letterpress
Letterpress is a centuries-old relief process, dating to 750 A.D. when it was used in China as a means to print patterns on textiles. It requires a die to be made from a photopolymer or copper material. The die holds a reversed, raised image and, as it makes contact with the paper, the ink is released. As a result, a slight depression may be noticeable in the paper’s surface, which adds to the charm of any project. Letterpress has evolved into a boutique manufacturing choice for the publication of fine books, as well as specialty invitations, note cards and stationery.
Things to know about letterpress
- Make time for multi-color projects, which require separate passes through the press for each color used. Registration is critical with every color that is added, and being mindful of the manufacturer’s schedule will deliver peace of mind, as well as a beautiful project.
- Paper choices are important in letterpress printing. Softer, 100% cotton will show the impression the best.
- Metallic inks are absorbed into uncoated paper and lose their luster.
- Impression depth is an aesthetic choice. A kiss impression applies just enough pressure to the plate to give adequate ink coverage on the paper without indentation. A bite impression is heavier, exhibiting a depression and a noticeable raised surface on the reverse side of the sheet.
- With overprinting, two letterpress colors are precisely aligned over top of one another. The result is a third color from a two-color project.
- Tints will not image on the plates. If your artwork calls for shading, try using cross hatched lines or dots for a similar effect.
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