Print Finish Options for Your Stationery
When it comes to creating your wedding stationery, there are a number of different print finishes, each offering unique effects and compatibility with different paper types. In this guide I will walk you through the various print options and paper options.
1. Digital printing: Versatile and cost-effective
Digital printing is the go-to choice for many couples due to its versatility and affordability. It encompasses colour, white and black ink and results in a smooth, flat finish. You can use digital printing on a wide range of card options, varying thicknesses and handmade paper. This method is the fastest and most budget-friendly choice.
2. Metallic finishes: Digital foiling and hot foiling
If you would like to add metallic effects to your stationery, you have two options – digital foiling and hot or ‘traditional’ foiling.
- Digital foiling: This process involves printing directly from a digital file and produces a metallic, flat print, without any texture or debossing. This method is a quicker and more cost-effective choice compared to hot foiling. However, digital foiling is limited to certain cardstocks and cannot be used on textured card or handmade paper.
- Hot foiling (traditional foiling): Hot foiling is the art of applying metallic foil to the card using heated plates, resulting in a distinct deboss or textured effect. It can be used on a wide variety of card types, including handmade paper. Keep in mind that the creation of plates and the slower production process makes hot foiling a more luxurious, albeit costlier option.
3. Letterpress Printing: for a luxury, elegant finish
For those seeking a touch of timeless luxury in their wedding stationery. Letterpress printing involves using a vintage printing press. Your design is transferred to a plate, these are inked and pressed into the card, leaving behind an indentation or ‘impression’. This adds a beautiful textured effect to your stationery. This type of printing is best suited to thicker cardstocks and can be used on handmade paper. This printing process is a slower and more hands-on process, as reflected in the beautiful results it gives. The craftsmanship involved in this process is reflected in the exquisite results it delivers, making it pricer but an undeniably elegant choice.
4. Blind deboss: a subtle elegance
A blind deboss is a printing technique that creates a delicate, minimalist effect to your wedding stationery. Similar to letterpress and hot foiling, a blind deboss creates a depression or indentation on the cardstock, but without the use of ink or foil. This is created using a letterpress or embossing machine.
If you would like any of these print finishes incorporated into your wedding stationery, get in touch here.