Engraving Engraving is the process by which text or an image is first etched by machine or hand onto a copper or steel die. This die is then used to stamp the sheet, pushing the surface of the paper or card up, creating a raised image to the front. Intense pressure is used simultaneously with the application of ink, creating a raised image or text in the chosen ink colour. This historical printing process was the first method used to create a raised image, and now has largely been replaced by thermography. However, due to the pressure used in the process of die-stamping (over a ton per square inch) fine lines are more genuinely reproduced than by thermography, so die stamping is often considered superior. The necessity of a metal die makes small runs relatively expensive compared with thermography. There is a varying visible indentation to the back of the sheet depending on the stock and machine minder. Although dies are seldom made by hand anymore, Gee Brothers is one of a few remaining specialist printers offering a hand-engraving service for wedding invitations. Lithography Lithography is the method used in most fine printing today. It creates a cleaner image than … Continue reading Printing Processes