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An overview of some of the varied print methods available to you for your wedding stationery through Studio XIXI, from antique presses to modern technology.
This familiar print method, often referred to as flat printing, regular printing, or 4/0 printing, is a highly flexible and economical option.
Digital printing is the classic choice to showcase vibrant, full-color imagery or illustrations. Digital printing is best on smooth surfaces with a consistent texture, like standard cardstock or vellum, but can also be executed on unique surfaces like textured handmade paper or acrylic.
While full-color CYMK printing is traditional, modern printers are capable of white ink printing, giving us the capability to print highly visibly on darker colored stocks or transparent vellum.
Photo taken by Ever Be Photography
Letterpress printing is one of the fine printing methods done entirely by hand on antique press machinery.
The signature debossed impression of letterpress printing is achieved by pressing a plate into paper with several tons of pressure. Deep letterpress printing on cushiony, 100% cotton paper is an instantly luxurious printing approach.
Since letterpress ink is translucent, bold colors will not show up strongly on dark stocks, but the ink can be nonetheless be used creatively to produce subtle effects.
Blind or inkless letterpress is when little or no ink is used in the printing process, producing a subtle, understated, and highly textural experience.
Similar to letterpress printing, foil press printing or foil stamping is a fine printing method using antique machinery. In foil press printing, intense heat and pressure are applied to paper with metal plates to produce a vividly metallic finish.
Foil press printing is the only method to achieve a highly reflective shiny surface. Often executed in gold or silver tones, foil press printing gives a truly timeless, luxurious effect. Aside from the classic metallics, a wide range of bright and neon tones are possible.
Foil effects can also be applied with other finishing touches, such as edge foiling below. The reflective nature of foil enhances interaction, and makes for a strikingly tactile impact.
Blind embossing achieves a sculptural, 3-D effect. The colorless raised impression of this fine printing method is created by molding paper into metal plates.
Photo taken by Melissa MacDonald Photo
Metal plates have the design deeply etched into them, and paper is then sandwiched between them. Heat and pressure are applied to create this show-stopping effect.
This understated colorless effect is versatile and works well with larger text, monograms, and minimalistic designs, and so on.
Embossing can be achieved on a smaller scale with a mini embosser for a more affordable option. These mini embossers are often used on envelope flaps, extra cards, and other day-of goods like cocktail napkins.
As a general reference, below, a single print run of the most common printing methods, ranked from lowest cost to highest cost:
1. Digital printing
2. Letterpress printing
3. Foil printing
4. Blind embossing
It should be noted that the extremely custom nature of our work makes pricing highly variable, and factors such as print quantity, paper type, add-ons, and other custom elements will impact final price. It is entirely possible for a fully-digitally printed suite to end up being higher cost than a specialty-printed suite due to other suite differences.
While the above are a list of common print methods in the world of fine art stationery, it's certainly not a comprehensive list of all possible print methods. Lots of unique effects can be achieved through special surface treatments like laser etching, UV printing, and fine art processes sometimes mean hand-painting instead of machine printing. We'd also love to explore alternative print methods like risograph printing, cyanotype printing, screenprinting, etc. We're always looking for ways to make stationery goods feel truly unique and one-of-a-kind!
