about letterpress
pricing
paper
colors & inks
envelopes & liners
turnaround & shipping
custom design
specialty techniques
Letterpress
Letterpress printing dates all the way back to the fifteenth century—when Johannes Gutenberg invented the movable type press, which transformed the way people shared and distributed information. Over the years, easier and faster printing methods have been developed, but Gutenberg’s original technique has been preserved throughout the centuries for its unique quality, striking appearance, and dramatic impression.
Paper
Our standard letterpress printing stock is Lettra 100% cotton paper by Crane & Co. You have the option of Standard Stock (Lettra 110) or Premium Stock (Lettra 220). Both are perfect for invitations, business cards, or stationery; however, we only use Standard Stock for folded cards, and we usually recommend Premium Stock for most double-sided jobs. For other paper options please contact us.
Turnaround
Standard turnaround time is 12 business days from final approval of artwork until your order is shipped. Because each job is unique, turnaround times may vary, so please let us know upfront when you need your order in hand and we will do our best to accommodate. Please ask us about rush pricing if you need your order sooner.
Shipping
We ship all orders via UPS with tracking. If you need rush shipping please contact us for pricing.
Colors
Because letterpress machines print only one color at a time, each color on each side requires an additional setup and run through the press. This means that each color on each side counts as an additional color. A blind impression also counts as an additional color. For example, a three-color job could have two colors on the front and one on the back (2/1), or three colors on the front and blank on the back (3/0), or a blind impression on the front and two colors on the back (1/2).
Working with Letterpress
By nature, letterpress printing can result in slight variations in registration and ink coverage. While we do our best to limit these effects, the unique process of letterpress makes it impossible to eliminate them altogether, but we will work with you throughout the design and proofing phase to create a design that will translate beautifully with letterpress. If you have artwork and are unsure if it is right for letterpress, please contact us.
Die-cutting, Embossing, Debossing, & Foil Stamping
We are happy to offer these additions to your letterpress job. Please contact us to talk about your job and get pricing information.
Questions
If you have any questions about any of the information above or in the pricing lists, or if you would like to talk to us about your project, please contact us by phone (334-271-6879) or email (info@cottonpine.com).
