Every project is unique, and with that in mind, you may have specific questions not found below. Please fill out our questionnaire with as much detail as possible and we will answer all of your questions.

What is Letterpress printing?

Letterpress printing is a type of relief printing that uses metal type, wood type or photo polymer plates. The plates or type create a debossed or sunken image into the paper or other materials using ink.

What is Foil Stamping?

Foil stamping is a printing process using heat, pressure and a die to adhere metallic or pigment foil onto paper or other materials.

What is Embossing?

Embossing is the process where heat and pressure create a raised image into the paper or other material.

What is the difference between Embossing and Debossing?

Embossing the image is raised and debossing is the opposite, the image is pressed into the paper or material.

What is Die Cutting?

Die cutting is used to cut paper or material into unique shapes or to achieve a cut at an angle other than 90 degrees. Custom and/or intricate designs often require die cutting. 

What is the largest size you can letterpress? What is the largest size you can foil stamp or emboss?

Largest letterpress sheet is 10 x 15.

Currently the largest press for foil stamping is 14 x 24, however we can run oversized sheets. Please contact us to discuss oversized sheets.

What types of paper letterpress the best?

Soft, textured sheets, usually 100% cotton, will give the best results.

What types of paper foil stamp the best?

Smoother, harder surfaces foil stamp the best, but striking images can be produced on most stocks.

Do you do any digital or offset printing?

No, we do not do any digital or offset printing but we would be happy to recommend some great local printers who we have worked closely with over the years.

How long does it take to make dies?

It depends on the type of die. Foil stamping dies are normally 2-3 days. Single level embossing dies can usually be made in 2-3 days as well. 

Multi-level or sculptured dies can take 5-6 days.

Can you match PMS colors with foils?

Some foil manufacturers will match PMS colors, but the minimum order makes it prohibitive.

It’s better to choose a foil that compliments the rest of the design. Let us know the color you are trying to match and the stock and we’ll hit some samples for you.

Do you have any foil swatches?

Foil books are available from some of the foil manufacturers. 

Can you foil stamp over ink or should the image be reversed out?

We definitely prefer stamping over ink, eliminating a critical register. The inks and varnish must be wax free.

Can you foil stamp on a digital sheet?

Yes we can except in cases where a fuser oil is used.

Are foils opaque?

Metallic foils are completely opaque. Pigment foils are not and some show through may occur depending on the color.

Pearl foils are very transparent.

What stocks emboss the best?

Ideally uncoated text and cover sheets that have some texture to them.