gala print techniques

gala print techniques

Interested in making a classy statement? Want to be as cost-effective as possible? Have a crunched timeline? These questions are important to ask when assessing a print project. The next few sections outline different print processes to provide guidance on cost, timing and design considerations.

engraving

Engraving is ideal for an ultra-formal affair (and has the price to match—it’s one of the most expensive printing methods).

With engraving, the letters are raised on the front and indented on the back of the invite. It’s also a great option if you are printing on colored paper. The ink used is incredibly thick, so you can print a light ink on darker paper and it will still show up. While you can incorporate multiple ink colors with engraving, it’s more time-consuming (and expensive), as each color requires its own plate and a separate pass on the printing press.

An engraved invitation order can take anywhere from two to six weeks to complete depending on the printer and the proofing process.

thermography

Thermography is similar to engraving, except that the lettering is slightly shiny and the back of the invitation remains smooth.

While thermography has a formal look, it comes without the hefty price tag of engraving. Cotton fiber is usually a good paper option with this method. Avoid pearlescent or shimmery paper with thermography, since the combination of two shiny elements won’t look good together and will be difficult to read.

Because this method fuses ink with powder, it’s not as easy to reproduce pastel hues. We advise sticking with lightly colored paper and darker ink. Additionally, thermography is best for small graphics, but doesn’t work well for full-color images.

A thermography order can be completed in just a few days, depending on the vendor.

letterpress

Letterpress offers a textural and sophisticated look with art that is slightly indented on the front and raised on the back.

This method is normally used for traditional designs, and is one of the priciest printing methods. However, many stationers offer off-the-shelf designs that are lower priced, but have fewer options for customization.

Letterpress requires soft, bulky paper, so you’re limited to thick card stock, like cotton fiber or bamboo paper. White or light-colored paper and darker inks work best with this technique because the ink used on letterpress is thin. White or pastel inks tend to look grey and dull on darker paper. Because each color has to be pressed separately on the paper, it’s more affordable—and quicker—to use one or two ink colors.

Depending on your vendor, an order can take anywhere from two weeks to two months.

digital printing

Digital printing allows for a great look on a small budget and short timeline.

The results of this technique are superior to what can be achieved from an office laser printer, and avoid the fading or smudging that occurs when printing materials on your own.

Most digital printing is typically done on thinner paper, although a few companies can print on thicker cotton fiber paper. While the ink won’t appear as dynamic using other printing processes, you can generally choose any color(s) you’d like.

For smaller print runs, this is often the least expensive and fastest printing option, requiring just a few days for production and shipping.

offset printing

The most traditional and time-honored printing method, offset printing provides a high-quality presentation.

Offset printing is similar to digital, but the quality is significantly higher and is slightly more expensive. The letters and designs are flat. It’s a great budget-friendly printing method that works well with a wide variety of designs.

More paper options are available with offset printing than digital printing, so it works well with unique textured papers like cotton or bamboo. Designs and lettering will look more vibrant than with digital printing, offering a wider spectrum of color and design choices.

Offset has a slightly longer turnaround time than digital – usually a few days to a week. Unlike digital printing, a custom plate is required and the ink is premixed beforehand. This adds a few extra days to the process.

foil stamping

Foil stamping traditionally complements a luxe event, but is also becoming popular for more casual invites.

Try creating a dramatic effect using lighter foils (like silver and white) on darker papers. Keep in mind, however, that thin, delicate lines won’t reproduce well, so design options may be more limited. Too much foiled text is difficult to read, so it’s best to restrict it to key words, borders or intricate designs. A little goes a long way!

Foil stamping is the most expensive printing process and is often outsourced, which means a longer turnaround time. The process typically takes around 10 business days with a vendor who completes the stamping in-house, but up to two months if you are using one who doesn’t specialize in foiling.

embossing

Embossing is like engraving, but on a slightly larger scale—letters and images appear raised, but colorless. With a subtle but modern look, it is perfect for monograms and bordering.

Embossing is typically done on thicker paper stock like cotton fiber so that the designs show up with crisp lines and impressions. Inkless embossing (also known as blind embossing) is a popular choice for a delicate touch. Adding colored ink is also an option, but it could limit the flexibility of your design.

Because embossing is very similar to letterpress and engraving, it typically takes about the same amount of time to print, which generally takes about three to five weeks.

print add-ons

Used properly, these additional production items can add a lot of impact to the final printed design.

Wax seal

A very traditional form of sealing envelopes.

Belly band

A piece of material that wraps around an invitation suite to hold it all together. It can be as simple as a ribbon or as luxe as laser-cut paper or a piece of lace.

Perforations

Small holes in the paper create a design or effect.

Edge painting

Painting or inking the edge of thicker card stock; it’s often done on an invite with a beveled edge.

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