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.

The fundamental difference is the dimension of the design: embossing raises a design upward (the paper is formed from both sides), while debossing presses it downward. The term "blind" simply means no ink or foil is used; the design relies solely on the tactile, three-dimensional impression created in the material.

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 up to A3+.