Letterpress Process
- concept to file
- file to plate
- paper + ink
- printing
- assemble + ship
history of letterpress
Letterpress printing was invented back in the mid-15th century by Johannes Gutenberg, and up until the 19th century it was the norm as far as printing goes. Then technology reared its fancy head, and letterpress became a thing of the past. Printmakers have long adored the direct impression of inked plates to paper, and the process has turned into an art. And thats where Alee & Press comes in!
step 1
Our design process starts outside of the computer with a sweet thought or a doodle, and that inspires a concept. Little notes here and there fill our papers. Once an idea has fully been thought out, we move to the computer and bring in any illustrations, hand done type, etc. or begin to design in the computer.
step 2
Once a design file has been created, it is sent to a magnesium plate manufactuer where the design is made into a printing plate. A letterpress plate has a raised surface which, when locked into the letterpress, presses into the paper, leaving behind an indentation. One plate is made for each ink color.
step 3
Letterpress printing requires thick, luxurious paper to allow for the deepest impressions. We use 100% cotton rag printmaking papers — the thickest we can find — to run through the press. We use soy-based inks, which we mix by hand to achieve the perfect hue.
step 4
After the plates are ready and the ink is mixed, we begin the printing process. The plates are locked into the press bed and a very small amount of ink is applied to the press rollers. The plates are inked and we begin the process of adjustments to the press to achieve the desired impression, ink coverage, color and alignment. We call this process “make ready.” Each piece of paper is then hand-fed into the press and rolled over the plate. The paper then makes contact with the plate, making an impression. Each ink color requires a separate run through the press (along with a separate plate!). For example, a 3-color invitation is hand-cranked through the press 3 times. We repeat the printing process for each color and diligently examine the alignment of each color layer.
step 5
Once an order has finished being printed, we let it sit for 24 hours to make sure it has fully dried before cutting it down. The order is then counted and closely inspected before they are packaged to be sent.