Printing solids with any printing method always raises special issues that must be addressed. In letterpress printing there are some unique ones.
One of the most notable issues is the ink coverage. The solid area may appear somewhat mottled since the Crane’s Lettra paper we use is unsized, making the paper softer to take a better impression. When paper is sized, as most papers are today, it will receive ink more evenly, since the sizing acts like a coating on the paper.
So this lack of sizing means that ink will not usually lay down quite as evenly as paper manufactured with sizing. We work hard to keep things as smooth and even as possible, often resulting in a superb job like this:
In this extreme close-up photograph you can see how ink lays down on the paper. There is always some irregularness, but is usually ‘averaged out’ by your eye.
Lighter inks can be even more challenging due to the fact that lighter inks have less pigment, so getting overall even coverage is more difficult.
If you are considering using solids in your letterpress wedding invitation, please consult with us so that we can. We love meeting your expectations.
Written by Nick
Invitations by Ajalon
View our letterpress wedding invitation gallery.
