Letterpress Can Create a Faux Emboss.
Faux embossing might sound like a clever trick, and that’s because it is! Nothing can beat a traditional emboss but we also enjoy pushing the boundaries of print techniques.
Faux embossing is one of those experiments that offer the raised, textural feel of embossing without the cost of an expensive metal die + counter. Instead, we use a photopolymer plate and quick makeready to create the effect, offering a faster and more budget-friendly option.
In this post, we’ll explore what makes faux embossing unique, how it differs from traditional methods, and why it might be perfect for your next project.
The Perfect Example of a Faux Emboss.
While we’re no strangers to traditional embossing, if you read this blog you’ll know that we like to experiment with different techniques. A faux emboss is something we’ve talked about before but it’s not always clear to people why it’s different from the traditional technique. As an example, we have these cards we designed and printed for MACV Technology.
We designed these for MACV as a simple clean card – two-color letterpress on a thick cotton stock. It’s tough to miss the faux emboss!
How Does Faux Embossing Work?
A faux emboss is created with letterpress. It involves the use of a photopolymer plate and some quick make-ready. This process differs from traditional embossing which uses a metal die (magnesium, brass, or copper) and a fiberglass counter (see below). Below is also a photo of a photopolymer plate used for letterpress printing.
You can read more about embossing and debossing in our previous post Emboss vs Deboss. Comment below if you have questions about either process.
What’s the difference between faux and traditional embossing?
There is a difference between the final look of faux-embossing. In the faux-version you actually see the edge of the plate (rounded corner below) on the paper. We tailor that to match the design.
Previous faux emboss cards have used rectangles, circles, or any other shape for the knockout. We even printed these business cards for DeAnne Bedier Designs with a full flood of ink for the background and faux emboss for the type.
Details About the Business Cards
The cards were printed on Lettra Fluorescent White 220# Cover. The faux technique can be used on both 110lb or 220lb paper, but the most important part is to use a soft stock. The card was printed in 2 colors: the emboss in a true blind and the text in a process blue.
| Client: | MACV Technology |
| Size: | 3.5″ x 2″ |
| Stock: | Bright White Cotton 220C |
| Printing: | 2 color letterpress (blind + process blue) |
| Finishing: | Glue Stock (220C = 2ply) |
| Design: | Dolce Press |
Below is a 3D / stereoscopic photo that helps show the emboss effect even better.
I hope that now you have a better understanding of faux embossing, and how it’s different from embossing. It can be a great way to introduce texture or accentuate designs if done properly.
If you want to see samples of our work you can order business card samples in the Print Shop online store. For help with a design or custom business card printing, submit a quote.