Letterpress Printing and Hot Foil Blocking

Most letterpress printing today is created from photopolymer plates, allowing for versatility and innovation in design. We also have a fine collection of well maintained antique printing presses and cases of type dating back to the 19th century which we use for workshops and special print projects.

We can letterpress print sizes from miniature up to A2 (595x420mm)

We can hot foil block sizes from miniature up to A3 (420x297mm)

E-mail or call us with any questions or if you want to discuss your project.

Sustainability

Paper is a valued and precious resource and we only use stock sourced from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified forests and are committed to using recycled papers where possible.
We are enrolled in a paper recycling scheme for our trimmings and donate our larger offcuts to local schools for use by teachers and pupils.
All our printing plates and foiling blocks are carefully stored for re-use.

Design Guide for Letterpress Printing

When supplying artwork for hot foil stamping or letterpress printing, it’s important to consider the unique characteristics of these printing techniques. Here’s our guide to how to get the best results:

1. File Format

• Preferred File Type: Provide vector files – our preference is pdfs with the text outlined.

• Resolution for Bitmaps: If raster elements are unavoidable, ensure they are at least 1200 DPI.

• Colours: Convert your design to spot colours as needed. We mix Pantone PMS colours, but can match to a swatch or supplied colour sample where needed.

2. Design Specifications

Hot Foil Stamping

• Line Thickness: Minimum line weight of 0.35pt for foil lines.

• Text Size: Fonts should be no smaller than 6 pt for legibility.

• Spacing: Allow enough space between elements to avoid filling in during stamping (minimum 0.5 mm gaps).

• Reversed Elements: Avoid fine reversed-out text or designs; these can lose detail in the foil process.

Letterpress Printing

• Line Thickness: Minimum line weight of 0.25pt.

• Text Size: Fonts smaller than 6 pt may not print clearly.

• Debossing: For deep impressions, use bold, clean lines and simple shapes.

• Halftones/Gradients: Avoid gradients and screens; letterpress is best suited for solids of ink or crisp line art. Please note that large solid inked areas tend to have a salty, mottled appearance. This can be attractive if part of your design esthetic, but if you are looking for a consistent coloured area, offset litho or digital print might be a better choice.

3. Layout Considerations

• Bleeds: Include at least 3 mm bleed if the design extends to the edge of the piece.

• Margins: Keep all critical elements at least 5 mm from the edge to prevent misalignment.

• Alignment: Ensure all elements are properly centered or aligned, as slight shifts may occur during manual processes.

4. Foil and Ink Usage

Hot Foil Stamping

• Contrast: Choose high-contrast combinations (e.g., metallic foil on dark backgrounds).

• Flat Areas: Large, solid areas of foil can appear uneven; consider breaking them into smaller sections.

Letterpress Printing

• Ink Colors: Limit the number of colors; each color requires a separate plate.

• Texture: Be mindful of paper choice; textured or soft papers may absorb ink differently.

5. Paper and Substrate

• Thickness: Use paper weights of 250 gsm or higher to withstand deep impressions and stamping pressure.

• Texture: Smooth papers work well for fine details, while textured papers enhance the tactile quality of letterpress.

• Foil Compatibility: Ensure the paper is compatible with the foil adhesive.

6. Proofing

• We will supply a digital proof where needed, and while printed proofs are possible, the costs involved in plate and block production and press set up .

7. Additional Notes

• Overprinting: Clearly indicate any elements that should overlap or print on top of others.

• Registration: Precise alignment can be challenging for complex designs; simplify where possible.

• Reverse Printing: For designs with heavy ink coverage, avoid small reversed-out text or elements.

By adhering to these guidelines, you’ll ensure your artwork is well-suited for the distinctive qualities of hot foil and letterpress printing, resulting in a stunning final product.

Go to print!

For a quote and/or advice on your project, please send the following:
Item to be printed
Size
Paper choice
Ink(s) required / Foil(s) required
Quantity
If you have a visual, even if not finalised, please send this too.