LETTERPRESS TIPS

Letterpress was the first printing process invented and the standard for hundreds of years. Letterpress is now a specialty process and is specified for its craft look or as a dimensional option much like embossing or . Letterpress printing on a fine uncoated paper denotes history and art, quality and integrity.

Letterpress printing is a relief limitless options. Using process whereby a raised image metal foundry type, as done since is inked and then pressed into the 14th century, is possible if your the paper, essentially making an has a full set of characters, or indentation. Type, black and white can set type on a . line art, and solids work best for The individual characters are set by letterpress printing. can hand into words and sentences and be printed with coarse screens and locked into place. care; variable amounts of pressure Because letterpress printing are needed throughout the image transfers more ink to the paper area to make sure the highlight, mid- than offset, colors will appear more tone, and shadow dots are printing saturated and opaque. Oil-based and correctly without accompanying type offset inks are used for letterpress filling in or disappearing. printing; any match color can be The press is most commonly specified; and the process is laser used today; flatbed and rotary presses compatible. Like , can also be found. Letterpresses metallic inks will not print shiny on operate very slowly, printing either uncoated papers. one or two colors, with lots of Uncoated text and cover papers are adjustments made throughout the well suited for letterpress. Heavier run. There are a variety of press basis weights with a soft surface and plate sizes, ranging from 10 x 15 will carry a deeper impression. Look inches to 42 x 56 inches. Check with for papers with a wove, vellum or your printer before committing to an eggshell finish. Smoother papers image and size. can be used, and even preferred if Letterpress printing requires either you do not want to see much of the a photoengraved plate or handset impression of the back of the sheet. foundry type. Plates are made from Your letterpress printer will likely polymer, hard rubber, copper, zinc recommend strong papers that they or magnesium. Using plates gives know will handle the weight and For samples or to buy reams the designer complete control and pressure of the press. and contact your local merchant or visit mohawkconnects.com Visit mohawkconnects.com for complete stocking info for paper and envelopes. ©2013 Mohawk Fine Papers Inc., Mohawk,® and the corporate logo are proprietary trademarks of Mohawk.

March 2013