Engraving
How to Identify
Finely Detailed, raised letters surrounded by a subtle smoothing of the paper and mirrored by
indentations on the reverse.
How it is done
Ink is applied to a copper plate etched in reverse. With great force, the paper is pressed into
the plate to adhere the ink.
Thermography
How to Identify
Slightly glossy, raised letters that sit on top of the paper. No indentations appear on the
reverse.
How it is done
Letter is flat printed and dusted with powder while still wet. The powder is then heated,
forming a raised surface over the ink. Thermography is not entirely opaque and changes
slightly with the tone of the paper.
Letterpress
How to Identify
A distinctive, almost soft look with the printing characteristically "indented" into the paper.
How it is done
This oldest of printing methods dates back to the Gutenberg Bible. Letterpress uses raised
type, which is inked and pressed into the paper with carefully calibrated force. The result is a
tactile quality and graceful, nostalgic look.
Embossing
How to identify
A distinctive three dimensional image or motif on paper.
How it is done
Achieved by using a metal die, usually made of brass and a counter die that fit together and
actually squeeze the fibers of the substrate. The pressure and combination of heat actually
raises the level of the image onto the paper.
How to Identify
Finely Detailed, raised letters surrounded by a subtle smoothing of the paper and mirrored by
indentations on the reverse.
How it is done
Ink is applied to a copper plate etched in reverse. With great force, the paper is pressed into
the plate to adhere the ink.
Thermography
How to Identify
Slightly glossy, raised letters that sit on top of the paper. No indentations appear on the
reverse.
How it is done
Letter is flat printed and dusted with powder while still wet. The powder is then heated,
forming a raised surface over the ink. Thermography is not entirely opaque and changes
slightly with the tone of the paper.
Letterpress
How to Identify
A distinctive, almost soft look with the printing characteristically "indented" into the paper.
How it is done
This oldest of printing methods dates back to the Gutenberg Bible. Letterpress uses raised
type, which is inked and pressed into the paper with carefully calibrated force. The result is a
tactile quality and graceful, nostalgic look.
Embossing
How to identify
A distinctive three dimensional image or motif on paper.
How it is done
Achieved by using a metal die, usually made of brass and a counter die that fit together and
actually squeeze the fibers of the substrate. The pressure and combination of heat actually
raises the level of the image onto the paper.
| Things Very Special Stationers 5816 St. Augustine Road ~ Jacksonville, Florida 32207 (904) 733-4820 |
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