Letterpress Printing

Heidelberg Windmill press used for letterpress. The press is getting inked up with silver metallic ink.
A Heidelberg Windmill press in our studio.

Letterpress Printing: Where Tradition Meets Craftsmanship

We’re obsessed with quality and attention to detail – it’s the reason we started Dolce Press. That’s why we love letterpress printing. It’s more than just ink on paper, it’s about creating a beautiful, tactile experience that gives every piece a luxurious feel. If you’re looking for business cards that leave a lasting impression, letterpress is the go-to for high-end print materials. Here’s everything you need to know about this timeless printing process.

What is Letterpress Printing?

Letterpress is one of the oldest forms of printing, dating back to the 15th century. The process involves pressing an inked, raised plate onto paper, creating an impression you can see and feel. Originally, movable type was set by hand, and creating an impression on the paper was seen as taboo or the hallmark of a lazy pressman. But modern letterpress mixes traditional craftsmanship with new technology to offer more flexibility and detail than ever before.

At Dolce Press, we use photopolymer plates – a perfect solution that allows us to take your digital design and create crisp, clean impressions on paper. Photopolymer plates and a reusable base were made popular by Harold Kyle @ Boxcar Press, thank you! This means we can still achieve that beautiful letterpress look but with greater precision and the ability to create intricate custom designs.

Besides photopolymer plates, the other big difference with modern letterpress is the impression. We print on soft cotton paper and a heavy impression which creates the unique tactile finish modern letterpress is so well known for.

How Does the Letterpress Process Work?

Letterpress is a craft that requires a lot of care and attention, and we’re involved in every part of it from start to finish. All of our printing is done at our NY studio, we’d love to have you visit.

  1. Design and Plating: We start by creating a digital version of your design in Adobe Illustrator (any vector-based software is good for designing for letterpress). Next, we create a film negative of the artwork, and using UV light, we “etch” the design into the photopolymer plate. After processing the plate, we add an adhesive backing and it’s ready for the press.
  2. Inking the Plate: Our letterpress inks are mixed by hand to achieve the exact color in the design. We use Pantone’s Solid Uncoated color guide to ensure color consistency. The plate is inked by rollers, which apply just the right amount of ink to the raised surface​.
  3. Pressing the Paper: This is where the magic happens! We feed each sheet of paper through the press, one at a time, to ensure every print is perfect. The inked plate presses into the paper, leaving behind a deep impression and a tactile finish that’s impossible to replicate with digital printing.
  4. Finishing Touches: Whether you’re going for a simple one-color design or something with multiple colors, each color is printed in a separate pass through the press. So for a two-color run of 200 business cards, we have to run the paper through 400 times!

Why Choose Letterpress?

Wondering why letterpress might be the right choice for your project? Here are a few of the key reasons our clients love it:

Custom letterpress business cards printed for Christina Garibaldi that includes silver letterpress and blind deboss on 2ply cotton paper and finished with orange edge coloring.
Using letterpress business cards communicates to your clients that you care about quality.
  • Tactile Appeal: There’s something special about holding a letterpress-printed piece in your hands. The deep impressions left by the press give the paper texture and character, making every piece feel significant and memorable.
  • Eco-Friendly Options: At Dolce Press, we care about sustainability. That’s why we offer environmentally friendly materials, including recycled and cotton-based papers. Plus, we use plant-based inks, ensuring that your project looks great and supports our eco-friendly practices.
  • Handcrafted Quality: Each letterpress piece that we produce is truly unique. Because letterpress is done by hand, slight variations in ink coverage or impression depth make every print one-of-a-kind. This handcrafted quality is something that just can’t be replicated by offset or digital printing.
  • Customizable Design: We can create just about any design you can imagine. And with photopolymer plates it’s super easy to transfer your design from computer to press. From custom logos to intricate patterns, letterpress offers endless design possibilities.

Applications of Letterpress

Letterpress printing is ideal for projects where quality and impact matter most. Here are some of the ways our clients love to use letterpress:

You can print almost anything with letterpress including notebooks, stickers, notecards, coasters, business cards, invitations and more.
We’ve printed almost anything letterpress from menus to coasters, business cards, stickers, and invitations.
  • Business Cards: Want to make an unforgettable first impression? A letterpress business card (with deep impression and thick paper) instantly communicates that your brand values quality and craftsmanship.
  • Wedding Invitations: There’s no better way to announce your big day than with luxurious, tactile letterpress invitations. It’s the perfect way to set the tone for your wedding.
  • Stationery: Letterpress isn’t just for big projects. From personal thank-you notes, and monogram notecards, to corporate stationery, it’s a great way to elevate even the simplest items.
  • Fine Art Prints and More: Artists and designers often turn to letterpress for limited-edition prints that highlight the handcrafted, artisanal quality of the technique – like our limited edition Good Morning / Good Night poster printed in glow in the dark ink in collab with Divsion Of/.​

Challenges and Limits of Letterpress Printing

While letterpress is a beautiful and unique printing option, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Cost and Time: Letterpress takes more time and effort than digital printing. Each color requires a separate plate and passes through the press, which adds to the cost and turnaround time. However, the result is well worth the investment for projects that require that extra level of craftsmanship​.
  • Color Limitations: Letterpress is ideal for projects with 1-3 colors. If your design is highly detailed or features a lot of color or photos, Letterpress may not be ideal for your project. We can help you convert a 4+ color project to be compatible and we’ve been known to do 10-color prints before!
4 color letterpress business card pushes the limit of color and registration.
Gradient letterpress printing allows you to print a gradient between 2 or more colors on press. Letterpress makes this style of printing unique.
Letterpress baby shower invitation with 5 different colors. Printing so maby colors requires really tight registration.
Super custom business cards printed in 6 different letterpress colors on 2ply cotton paper with bright green edge coloring.

Ready to Get Started?

At Dolce Press, we’re passionate about letterpress and the impact it can have on your project. Whether it’s business cards, stationery, or something else entirely, we’re here to help you bring your vision to life with this timeless printing technique. Let’s chat about your next project and make something beautiful together!