Engraving

Dating back to the mid 1700's engraving is the most formal printing style. Engraving is done by means of a die. The die is a reversed out plate with the letters and design. The ink is passed over the plate, going into the carved out spaces. The paper is pressed into the die, as a result, a bruise appears on the back due to the pressure of the press. The letters are raised. As the ink was in the die, the outlines of the letters are much sharper and more distinct than those of the other print options.

Thermography

Thermograph printing is slightly shiny with a raised texture to the touch. The printing goes through a second pass in the press where the ink rises. Thermograph is the most popular printing process. Also called raised printing, it looks very much like engraving but the back is not pressed. It is less expensive then engraving because no plate is created.

Blind Embossing

This inkless raised style is created with a die and creates either a raised or an impressed design. This is most often used for monograms and return addresses on envelopes.

Letterpress

Using an old-fashioned printing machine, the design is set and then pressed into the paper. Letterpress requires a thicker paper then the other printing alternatives. Hand made papers compliment letterpress style very well.

Offset

Offset printing appears flat on paper. Offset printing allows for one, two, three or four color process. This is the professional style of printing used for brochures and mass produced items.

Differences between Engraving and Thermography

Thermography appears much shinier engraving.

Engraving creates an indentation in the back of the paper, caused by the pressure of the die, and a bruise on the front of the paper, making the area around the text slightly smoother than the rest of the paper.

Paper

The first papermill in the United States was built in 1690. Paper was originally made of cotton and linen rags.

With the help of new technology a less expensive way of producing paper was developed, using wood pulp instead of cotton.

Since cotton fibers used in papermaking can be broken down through gentle beating and refining, no harsh acids are used that would cause the paper to decompose with time. On the other hand, wood to be used to make papers is broken down into a pulp with acids, which continue to work in the paper with the passing of time.