Q: What kind of printing do we use? A: Honeycreek Papers traditionally uses litohgraphy, or flat printing. Lithography is the least expensive of the printing methods, but very versatile in font options and generally a quicker turnaround time. The printing is not raised and is usually done on industrial laser printers. The ease of lithography allows us the ability to be creative in other ways with your stationary. The other traditional printing types are also available, just ask.
Q: What other types of printing are there?
A: Engraving
Engraving is a very elegant way of printing and an age old tradition in wedding invitations. The desired lettering is etched or cut into a metal plate. The surface of the plate is inked and wiped, leaving ink only in the cut lettering. The plate is run through a press with the paper. The paper is pressed into the plate. When removed, the ink is sitting on top of the paper, creating the raised surface of the ink. Because of the pressing, there is a visible bruising on the backside of the paper. This is a desired feature and not considered a flaw. Engraving ink is matte and opaque, so colors are richer and also available in white or silver.
Thermography
This look is very similar to engraving, but created less expensively because of the process. Ink is printed onto the paper and then sprinkled with a special powder. The piece is heated and the powder melts and eventually dries as raised ink on the paper. The look is slightly different than engraving because it dries shiny, rather than matte and the ink is more transparent than engraving inks.
Letterpress
This tactile process is unlike any other. A plate is created with the lettering in relief (opposite of engraving, think of a typewriter key). The raised lettering is inked and then pressed into the paper. The ink then sits down in the paper rather than on top of it. Papers used for this process must be thicker to withstand the pressed ink as well as create a beautiful almost shadowed look.