Put simply, letterpress printing is a form of relief printing, where the text or image is on a raised surface, similar to a rubber stamp. Ink is applied to the raised surface and then paper is pressed directly against it to transfer the text/image.

With this printing technique we put color on the paper while we emboss it - so this happens at the same time!

We mostly use rough and quite soft natural papers, which are great for embossing, but absorb a lot of colour. Pantone ink is not a 100% opaque so the darker paper will shine through. In general it is not advisable but we did have some great results already, so when in doubt just get in touch. We will see what we can do.

The machines we use are from the 1950s and 1960s and weren’t built for that kind of printing. The possibilities of printing full shapes are rather limited and although it works better with small shapes, be aware that the paper will shine through, resulting in a cloudy retro look, which is not always suitable.

Other than with digital or offset printing we only use hand mixed colours of the uncoated Pantone swatch. Our machines only have one colour deck, which means each colour has to be printed in a separate run. Therefore we need the number of colours for calculating the price.

A blind debossing is an impression without color. Like that you can create subtle structures which are the result of light and shade. For some designs we recommend to use some transparent colour to increase the contrast of your blind debossing!

Embossing is the process of generating a 3D image on the surface and is achieved through the use of two tools (usually made of brass or copper), one of which is built in the reverse of the desired design (raised) and the other one is recessed, commonly known as a male and female. The imprint on the back remains visible.

The ideal paper stock for embossing is an uncoated heavy paper. You want thick, long-fiber, and soft cotton papers that are flexible enough to hold raised shapes without tearing or cracking under high pressure. We also like printing on leather or wood, please just get in touch.

For letterpress with pantone ink or blind embossings with printing varnish we are limited to a working format of 25x35cm. For hotfoil stamping or blind embossing without any additional inks or varnishes we can go upt to A3+.

While with letterpress you can go quite deep into the paper, debossings with hot foil are also possible, but not as deep as with color.

We get the best results from 6,5 pt font size, though this also depends on the font type. If you’re not sure, just send your design and we’ll have a look at it!

Metallic foils offer a metallic and glossy impression and are easier to handle. Pigmented foils on the other hand are of a flat appearance and won’t release as easy as metallic foils, especially when it comes to small designs.

Unfortunately we’re limited to the colors of the producers - the palette is quite extensive, but it is not possible to get every Pantone colour as a foil.

Relief embossing is a print finishing technique that presses paper or cardstock between two custom metal dies to create raised, three-dimensional designs. The imprint on the back remains visible.

At the Inifinitive Factory we have ample possibilities to proceed with your printed pieces - custom made forms for die cutting, creasing and folding and also color edging and hot foil edges!

The thicker the paper, the better the effect. Anyway colour edging is also possible with 300g papers.

We can colour any edge that isn’t die cut – so business cards, notebooks, books, postcards invitations etc.

This is unfortunately not possible, as die cut edges do not have the right surface to be coloured.

We also offer products with foiled edges in the colors of the available metallic foils. As this service is not operated in house, please check back on delivery times before you place your order.

Opening hours are Monday to Thursday from 9.00am to 5.00pm and Fridays from 9.00am to 1pm. In case you’d like to visit the workshop or want to come over for a personal meeting, please get in touch in advance!

Standard delivery times are roughly 2 weeks after you sent the data. Be aware that for some papers we have additional delivery times. In general we’re eager to finish the products on short noticed deadlines, though this is only possible according to prior agreement.

We’re aware that our work starts working when you hold it in your hands. For all who are not able to visit our Studio and want to persuade their customers we also send samples - just ask!

We invite everyone to be there when we start printing your project. We can adjust impression or colour before finishing the whole project. If you can't be there in person we are happy to send pictures.