Print Techniques and Finishes
These days the printing options are endless and with so many varieties to choose from it can get overwhelming. We want you to walk away with beautiful wedding stationery but we also want you to be informed on our printing options as well as choosing the right one for your design. To keep it simple we have outlined what’s what so you can feel more confident in choosing the best print method for you.
Letterpress
Using Pantone colours, letterpress printing uses old schools techniques to stamp your design into the paper for a deep impression. You have the option of choosing 1 or 2 colours on a beautiful cotton stock available in 300, 450, and 600gsm. This print process requires a custom metal template to be made so no variable data is possible. Single sided is encouraged but can be produced double sided with a softer impression on the second side.
Letterpress can also be teamed up with digital printing and/or foiling on the one card to add an extra WOW factor.
12 Business days is the standard turnaround but can be produced in 5-7 upon request
Blind stamping
The same process as letterpress but with no ink and can be both pressed in and raised for a subtle but premium effect. Use a 450 or 600gsm cotton stock for maximum effect. Both blind debossing (stamped in) and embossing (raised) works best as a single sided print but with embossing it creates a beautiful reflected image on the reverse side so why not make it work with your design.
12 Business days is the standard turnaround but can be produced in 5-7 upon request
Foiling
Foil stamping uses traditional hot foil stampers and applies pigment to each card resulting in a slight impression into the paper. It’s an elegant way to add class and style to your stationery and is available in gold, silver, rose gold, copper and even holographic, as well as a range of other colours. As the design is stamped in, no variable data available.
Foiling works great on it’s own or you can keep it small and team it up with digital, offset print, white ink or letterpress. The beauty of foiling is that it’s so versatile and can be used on a range of stock options, creating a premium effect.
Timing can vary but typically requires a minimum of 5-7 Business days.
Embossing
Get bossy and add a third dimension to your printing with a premium raised print. Working the same as letterpress and foiling, a metal plate is made to stamp an impression into the paper. Works best as a single sided print but can create a beautiful reflected image on the reverse side. Can be teamed up with foiling, offset and digital print to achieve phenomenal results.
12 Business days is the standard turnaround but can be produced in 5-7 upon request
White Ink Printing
White ink printing is a premium option on coloured card without the expensive price tag. Rather than printing a colour onto the background of a white card we can print white ink directly onto a coloured card of your choice. Popular card stocks for this method of printing are kraft, black, navy and grey around 300-350gsm.
Additional colour in CMYK can also be applied as well as mixing it up with a foil. White ink is also a great way to add the WOW factor to coloured envelopes, and can be printed with variable data.
3-4 Business days
Envelope Printing
Our standard paper stocks come with a matching white envelope that can be added to you order, and there are also a range of different colours and styles available. Either way you can always add printing, either with personalised names and addresses or just a funky design. Envelopes can be printed digitally, with white ink or even add a bit of pizazz with a foil or a custom made liner. We can setup your address data from an excel spreadsheet and it's just so much easier then having to handwrite them all yourself.
Digital or Offset - What’s the difference?
Digital Printing
The most cost effective print option with the quickest turnaround. Digital will give you unlimited colours printed in CMYK on a high quality laser printer and can be single or double sided. Typically printed on uncoated paper, stocks range from 200-350gsm with a range of textures and colours available. Not only is digital printing budget friendly but it also has the capability of variable data, meaning you can add personalised guest names or addresses onto place cards, menus and envelopes.
2-3 Business days
Indigo Printing
Indigo Printing is a digital print process that uses ink rather then toner and emulates the high quality finish of offset without a minimum order quantity and expensive price tag. This is a great option if you are printing a lot of solid colour onto a textured paper and results in a seamless print result. Indigo printing allows you to use paper up to 450gsm and is available for single and double sided printing. It is a little more expensive then standard digital printing but still quite a cost effective option.
5-7 Business days
Other finishing touches
Various finishes and special embellishments can be applied to both digital and offset printing to take your printing to the next level.
-Matte Celloglaze
A premium matte coating which adds a smooth velvet feel to your printing. Great for adding extra protection to help your prints last longer. 2-3 Business days
-Spot UV
A Spot UV coating or “varnish” is applied to chosen areas of a printed card. This has the effect of highlighting certain areas of the design to draw you in as well as creating an added texture to the paper. There is also scodix which is a more raised version of the UV that adds a luxury look and feel to an ordinary print. In scodix there are clear, gold, silver, rose gold, red and green colours available. 5-7 Business days. 5-7 Business days
-Scoring and folding
This is a good option for fold out invites, place cards, thank you tags and even menus. Why have multiple flat cards when you can have one item with different panels that wells you to fit everything all together. Can be added to an order for a standard 2-3 business day turnaround
-Die cutting
A special knife is created to cut out a custom shape to your printing.
-Perforation
This process allows easy separation of two sections of paper to allow it to be torn more easily. It is a great added option for example for invites with an RSVP panel that guests can tear off and return in the post. Can be added to an order for a standard 2-3 business day turnaround
-Drill Holes
Drill Holes can be added to most items and come in a range of different sizes. This is great option for swing tags or even large format signs. Can be added to an order for a standard 2-3 business day turnaround