Width Of Lines
Any lines, line art or strokes should be .25 points or .003” minimum.
No Type Smaller Than 6 Points
Letterpress is excellent for printing all kinds of type however each font will determine the best minimum size. We suggest nothing less than 6 points. Please outline your fonts when submitting your files.
Reverse Type Must Be 12 Points or Larger
If you wish to print type within a solid ink background type smaller than 12 points can cause ink clogs. Minimum font sizes will vary depending on the typeface. Once we complete a file check we may ask you to adjust the size or add a stroke to make up for ink gain.
Number of Inks / Foils
Letterpress printing uses Pantones spot colour (PMS) inks and foils. Typically most projects are printed in 1 to 2 colours and foils. We can print virtually any combination of inks and foils where your budget allows. If you don't see the combination you are looking for, please request a custom quote.
No Screens or Shades of Colour
Letterpress is printed at 100% of the pantone ink colour so if you want to print a lighter "shade" of the same colour you will need to select a second ink in a lighter colour.
No Solid Coverage of Ink / Colour:
We do not offer full coverage (aka floods) of ink on letterpress. While pantone inks will absorb into the stock, the overall result of covering uncoated stocks with ink will produce a low sheen instead of a matte appearance. Heavy ink coverage may also highlight the appearance of natural fibres on uncoated stocks.
Emboss / Impression on Both Sides of Cards Not Suggested
Competing impressions from one side to the other requires us to back off the pressure on both sides meaning the deep crisp impression in the stock is lost.
Dies and Scores
Yes we can die cut and score letterpress cards. If you're looking for a custom shape die cut please complete our custom estimate form and upload a PDF of your art for us to review. We'll get back with any question or send an estimate asap!
Letterpress on Envelopes
Yes we print and foil stamp envelopes on the letterpress to compliment your cards and invitations. We print on the flap and front of the envelopes. Please note there are no bleeds on letterpress envelopes - your design must leave a 1/8" space / border at the trim edge. Please use our envelope templates to ensure your design is correct.
*Varibale data printing of recipient addresses is available by custom estimate and does require a specific file setup.
Light Ink on Dark Paper Stocks
In general we want to print dark inks on light hued paper and stamp foils on dark hued paper. The Pantone inks used in letterpress are translucent and will show through / take on the hue of the paper they are printed on. If you're really set on printing inks on dark stocks please complete our custom estimate form and upload a PDF of your art for us to review. We'll get back with any question or send an estimate asap!
Foiled / Painted Edges
Yes we can paint and gild / foil edges of cards. Please note gilding is not available on cards with rounded corners.
