Glossary of Paper and Printing Terms
Calligraphy:
The perfected art of handwriting/penmanship. Often associated with fancy, curlicue script, calligraphy is now comprised of several genres and styles.
Embossing:
A printing technique that forms letters and images with a raised "relief" surface, imparting added dimension to the invitation design. Usually used for large initials or borders.
Engraving:
The most formal of printing methods, through which the letters appear slightly raised. A "bruise" typically forms on the back of the paper from the pressure.
Font:
(see "Typeface")
Imprintables:
Customize one of hundreds of designs with the particulars of your event. We print them for you for quick turnaround and a beautiful finish.
Letterpress:
A beautiful printing alternative to engraving (but more expensive). The labor-intensive method dates back to the fifteenth century and involves inking an image to produce an impression: the impression is transferred by placing paper against the image and manually applying pressure. The images and typeface appear precise -- individually "stamped into" the paper -- and very rich in color. Letterpress is great if you're using unusual paper, motifs, typeface, or want to play around with pigments. Comparatively, engraving and thermography restrict the possibilities.
Thermography:
Probably the most popular print method (it's less expensive than engraving.) A heat-based process fuses ink and resinous powder to create raised lettering. It's virtually indistinguishable from engraving work. The subtle differences: thermographed text is slightly shiny and the back of the invitation remains smooth (no impression).
Typeface:
The style/appearance of a letter or numeral. With the arrival of desktop publishing, the term is more or less synonymous with the word "font." |
