our capabilities : paper and ink : budget and timing : our equipment
Whether you want simple business cards on 100% cotton paper or an elaborate brochure with sewn binding and a diecut windows, we have the equipment in-house to make it happen.
- lettepress printing
- die cutting
- scoring, perfing, folding
- specialty finishing: ribbon, eyelets, velcro, sewing, screwposts,
mounting
We have access to a range of papers for your unique creation. Whether you want coasters, high-end stationery, or a rustic postcard, we will work with you to find a paper that is well-suited to your project. To date we’ve worked with fine art, mica-coated and handmade papers, mat board, imported Italian stationery and more. We are able to run a wide range of media on our hand-fed press, so if we haven’t printed on a particular media, it’s likely the opportunity hasn’t yet presented itself. We enjoy trying new media – even if they don’t always work out – so simply ask.
All of our inks are mixed by hand in small batches, or we can order a specific color for a larger client. We specify our mixes based on formulas from the Pantone Matching System. Experiments with transparency, metallic ink, and unique combinations are always possible. As long as you promise to stand back from our non-OSHA-compliant press, we welcome press checks.
Letterpress is a unique printing method that takes a great amount of skill and patience to produce consistent, quality results. Letterpress printing is typically somewhat more expensive than offset or digital printing, often because of the special papers we work with to yield the highest quality results, and the need for special printing plates.
However, we want to work with you to make letterpress printing accessible for more of your print projects because it is such a great option for giving your ideas a special touch.
Each job has different requirements which define the overall time frame. We know meeting the needs of your clients or business can often require fast turnaround times, which we can accommodate with advance notice. Upon project initiation, please let us know what your time constraints are so we may work within them. We can be involved at any stage of your design process to answer any questions regarding letterpress printing.
1966 Heidelberg Windmill 10x15 Platen Press
sheet size: 2x3.5 up to
10x15
impression area: 9 x 12,
including bleeds
how we use it: primarily
for printing, also for scoring and diecutting
ideal for: business cards,
letterhead, shorter runs
1959 Heidelberg KS Cylinder 15x20.5 Cylinder Press
sheet size: 5x7 up to 15X20.5
impression area: 13x19,
including bleeds
how we use it: primarily
for printing and diecutting, scoring on larger jobs
ideal for: posters, larger
designs, multiple page documents, longer runs, diecutting
1920 Chandler & Price 10x15 Platen Press
sheet size: 2x3.5 up to 10x15
impression area: 9x12,
including bleeds
how we use it: for printing
ideal for: odd sizes in
short runs, thick or unusual stocks
Photopolymer Platemaker
Paper Drill
Corner Rounder
Sewing Machine
Industrial Eyelet Setter
GET SCHOOLED
A Brief History of Letterpress
Originating around 1450, movable type brought the printed word around
the world. It grew with the industrial age, then declined as offset printing
met the needs of the modern world. Much of the equipment that survived did so
in a working retirement, converted to diecutting or foil stamping.
In its heyday letterpress printing was simply an everyday process. It was considered poor technique to leave more than a “kiss impression,” unlike the deep impressions currently sought after. Today, the impression depth is the obvious difference of letterpress from offset printing. Variations in inking, impression and registration – often exaggerated for impact – are all distinct effects commonly desired in letterpress-printed designs.
Photopolymer plate technology brings new speed and flexibility to letterpress. This process makes it possible to easily turn many designs into letterpress plates.
main 605 221 5997 : fax 866 617 8904 : printing@sparkprintsolutions.com
