Engraving
Engraving (also sometimes called die stamping, or copper plate engraving) is considered the gold standard of printing. Dating back to the early Middle Ages, engraving is a highly labour intensive process. There are a select few master craftsmen in the world who still practise this art. Rawlence and Horton are proud to offer the only engraving process in New Zealand.
A number of steps must be worked through in engraving. Firstly, a custom made metal plate is engraved with your chosen names or images. This allows for very fine lines and detail to be processed – with a far more delicate result than any other process. A counter plate is then hand cut into layers of card, which is known as ‘the force’. The plates are placed on the engraving machine and ink is pressed onto the paper between the plates, leaving a raised image on the paper. Engraved stationery can be distinguished from other processes by both the raised text or image and an indentation on the back of the paper. Engraving has a matt finish (as compared to thermography which has a shiny finish) and the colour pigment is strong and vibrant.
Thermography
Thermography mimics engraving, but the results are produced by a machine rather than by hand. A thermographic finish will never be as fine as engraving. There are multiple steps in achieving a thermographic finish. Firstly, words or images are printed on the card or paper. While the ink is still wet a resin is applied and the paper is put through a heat process. This causes the ink and the resin to meld and gives a raised finish. The back of the paper will be flat because it has not been subjected to any processes.
Lithography
Lithography is also known as flat printing or offset printing. Lithography uses a flat plate that is chemically processed to produce a negative and a positive image. The plate is introduced to an ink and water mixture. The ink adheres to the positive image and the water cleans the negative image. The result is a flat image print that is clear and sharp.
Premium flat printing
Premium flat printing uses state of the art digital technology. This enables us to offer you very high quality, short print runs starting at 50 note cards or letterhead. A perfect option for invitations or personal stationery.
Letterpress and Foiling
Letterpress is possibly the oldest print process and creates a beautiful debossed impression in the paper or card. Perfect for invitations and business cards.
Foiling literally requires a metallic foil to be put down on the designated area to be printed.
