Letterpress printing takes a more significant number of steps to generate saleable output compared to a digital printer. It is one of the oldest printing technologies in history. The technology, although outdated has not lost its charm. It is now used to print specialized output like holiday cards and coasters. Wedding invitations are also a popular output of this kind of printing.
Rising like the Phoenix
Letterpress involves applying ink to the raised surface. It is subsequently pressed to paper. The result is beautiful and luxurious. The imprinted image is a crisp one. With the advent of faster and better quality mass printing technologies, the letterpress is almost at the end of its product life. In recent times, however, saw a revival of this technology as it prints bold and clean lines with an excellent visual definition when contrasted with other printing methods. The richness of the print made by the impression adds a rare intimacy level. Each printed piece is a unique one.
Letterpress offers a few other advantages. It is excellent for printing on heavy cardstock and also on cotton papers. Offset machines cannot do these. There is magic associated with printing on cotton which cannot be replicated by any other substrate. The overall look is truly special. Best of all, a letterpress product endures the test of time, offering the same magic even 50 years later. People run their fingers over the print, reminiscing about the days long past. The print brings to life momentous occasions that must be cherished.
Unique pieces
Letterpress technology is hands-on. Each print in a batch can be a unique one as the technology is at a stage which then was still to be standardized. The substrate or the material to be printed upon will be handled multiple times before it is presented to the customer. The inclusion of multiple variables meany each printed piece is one of a kind.
Letterpress techniques have improved from the time of its inception. The handset type is discarded. The image is now created digitally. It is then transformed into metal or photopolymer plates. Artists prefer to draw by hand and then imprint it. The value of letterpress lies in its tactility. Post the creation of the photopolymer plates, the rollers get attached, and necessary adjustments get made as per the substrate thickness. The press is then inked. The first few prints are checked for registration. The print run is started when the results are satisfactory.
