Printing - Buyer Beware!

Printing methods can make or break an invitation!! When it comes to printing you get what you pay for.

Professional Laser Printing" is not professional. Inkjet and Laser printing are not archival (will not stand the test of time) and are substandard print methods for any special event invitation.

Then we come to "Computer" or "Laser" Calligraphy. Simply, they don't exist. Calligraphy, by definition, is always done by hand. Laser calligraphy is merely printing your envelopes via computer, which is considered to be a **major breach of invitation etiquette**. Your own handwriting is much preferable (no matter how 'bad') to computer printing. If you don't want to write out 200 envelopes, enlist your friends with the best handwriting to do so or give it to a professional.

Many small companies use these methods when starting out, which *may* be suitable for Alexa's 10th birthday, but *not* your wedding.

Be sure to ask your invitation designer specific details regarding your printing and preferably have it specifically in your agreement/contract.

Acceptable Printing Methods Used by Professional Designers:

Engraving: Until relatively recently, engraving was a must for any invitation of distinction. The process begins with producing a brass plate upon which the text is engraved into. Ink is then pushed into the engraved parts of the plate. The plate is then impressed upon the paper stock, resulting in a raised lettering from the ink. The cost can run anywhere from 300-400 per item. Engraving is the only method that works when wanting to print light color on dark stock.

Letterpress: Originated using a machine with individual lead type letters to make up the print copy and again, impressed upon the paper. These days, Letterpress has kept up with technological advance and individual type is no longer needed. Like engraving, a steel plate is made, but the areas to print are raised, rather than depressed. These raised areas are coated with ink and then impressed upon paper. Letterpress is our choice upgrade for most printing options and is about 30% - 50% less expensive than engraving.

Offset Lithography: The inked image is transferred (or "offset") from a plate first to a rubber blanket, then to the printing surface. When used in combination with the lithographic process, which is based on the repulsion of oil and water, the offset technique employs a flat (planographic) image carrier on which the image to be printed obtains ink from ink rollers, while the non-printing area attracts a film of water, keeping the nonprinting areas ink-free. (Wikipedia.org) Offset printing is not a raised print.

Thermography: A paper plate is made to which ink is applied and then thermography powder (similar to embossing powders). The piece is then 'baked' resulting in a raised, glossy finish. Thermography is a cost effective way of achieving a similar look to engraving, however it does have limitations in some instances.

Calligraphy Masters: Our calligrapher can make a master of your invitation and we can reproduce it using offset thermography to the extent that you cannot tell the difference between master and reproduction. Masters are between $225 and up, depending on how detailed and how much embellishment there is. Please be advised, metallic gold or silver cannot be reproduced without a second print process of hot foil stamping.

Many printers offer 'standard' printing colors. This means - you don't have to pay large surcharges for these colors. Ask your designer about 'standard' colors.

Custom colors (or PMS colors - Pantone Matching System), are used by referring to a PMS swatch book. The PMS systems ensures that colors will be standardized from print shop to print shop. You can find a PMS swatch book to look at, at any reputable print shop. Your designer should own one as well. A surcharge is usually applied for this colors.

Article Source: http://www.bestweddingarticles.com

www.handmade-invitations.com; www.wikipedia.org

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

# of Ratings = 1 | Rating = 5/5