A Guide to Printing Options

To learn more about our custom letterpress and printing options, please contact us directly at: 707-775-4200 or Email Us.

Letterpress 

Letterpress printing is a unique and distinctive style of printing that began in the 14th century. Letterpress is a relief printing process that results in a vivid, three-dimensional impression in the paper. In this process, type face and images are raised up on a plate to form a printed image area. The ink from the press is applied to the raised areas on the plate and form the printed image. Combining centuries-old printing with computer technology, these images are transferred from an electronic file to a photopolymer plate through a photographic process.

Letterpress printing is valued for its beauty and tactile quality that cannot be matched with any other modern-day technique. Letterpress printing is very labor intensive and requires a great deal of skill and craftsmanship. Paperwhite works with only the finest letterpress companies to offer customers the utmost in quality and service.

Engraving

Engraving is a kind of gravure (opposite in concept from letterpress) printing wherein paper is pushed against a recessed plate. In engraving, the paper is usually slightly moist. The pressure of another cylinder forces the ink from the recessed area onto the paper. The pressure of the press raises the imprinted area slightly which gives the piece what we recognized as an engraved appearance.

Thermography

Thermography produces raised printing similiar in appearance to engraving but using a different process. In thermography, a special powder is added to the ink printed on the paper. The printed piece is heated and the powder and ink mixture dries to form a raised effect on the paper.

Envelopments

Envelopments^® provides the ideas, tools and premium paper products necessary to create custom mix and match solutions for any announcement, occasion or event that deserves special attention. Envelopments offers a wide collection of card and paper stocks as well as a refined palette of proprietary prints and patterns to elevate your design with Envelopments pocket folders, enclosures, cards, papers, liners and envelopes.  Please see vendor books for options and pricing details.

Flat/Offset Printing

Flat or offset printing, compared to letterpress, is a modern day technology that simply results in a flat ink image on paper. Different vendors use different methods of printing, from cylinders to sophisticated high volume printers. The specific design and style these vendors use (their signature) is generally what differentiates one from the other. Visit our sample library to pick the style that sets the essence of you and your event!

Imprintables and Other Options

Paperwhite offers invitation and annnouncement options for almost everyone, including customers who want to design and create their own inviations. We offer "Imprintables" which are pre-made/designed invitations that you can run through your home computer/printer. With your purchase of any Imprintables, Paperwhite will provide you with a Microsoft Word template to make your at-home project even easier. Paperwhite also offers a wide variety of quality card stock, envelopes, ribbon, and decorative papers for almost any project.  Just ask us, we would love to help you with your project!

In-House Printing

Paperwhite now offers in-house printing services for the cost conscience customer and/or for those customers who have a specific design element they want to incorporate into their invitations, stationery, or announcements. Our personalized service and experienced staff will help you choose from a wide selection of fine papers, imprintables, and other creative options for your invitation or announcement needs. Stop by the store, give us a call, or email us with your thoughts and ideas. We will work closely with you to customize and personalize your order to meet your satisfaction.