FAQS

How should I submit my artwork?

We accept files that are converted to outlines .eps or PDF files.

Will I get a proof before you print them?

We typically email pdf proofs for your approval prior to printing. They are included in the price of the job. Hard copy proofs are also possible if required, at an additional cost.

Can I give you a Photoshop file?

No. Your text should be created in a vector program to insure the highest of quality.

Can I supply my own paper for you to print on?

Sure. However, due to the extra work and stress of dealing with unfamiliar paper, we charge the same for customer supplied stock as we do for Crane 110#.  Also be sure to allow a reasonable amount of stock for setup and spoilage. A good rule of thumb is 25 extra plus 10%. So if you wanted 100, give us 35 extra.  If you wanted 200, give us 45 extra, etc. FYI, sometimes we run a job and if we are not completely satisfied with it, we can go and cut more of our paper and rerun the job. If you supply the paper, obviously that option is gone.

Can you do sizes other than what you list on your website?

Custom sizes are no problem. The tricky part is usually trying to find matching envelopes for an unusual size.

Can you control how much impression there is on the paper?

Yes. We’ve found that most people want a fairly deep impression.

I want a 2-sided business card.  Will the image from the front be indented on the back?

Yes, to some degree. We have methods to get an impression while still leaving the backside “mostly” unaffected,  Using a thicker stock such as 220# Crane Lettra or 236#  Savoy is definitely better for 2-sided letterpress. Even with very thick letterpress stock there can be issues. If the image from the first side is in the same spot as the image from the second side, the second side will push back the impression from the first side, flattening it back down.

Can you letterpress with no ink (blind letterpress)?

Yes. It is charged as as one-color job. It makes a deboss into the paper, which depending on the artwork, can look pretty nice. It doesn’t get as dramatic effect as blind embossing or debossing, because we’re using just a “male” die (the letterpress plate) as opposed to a male and female die as in embossing or debossing.

Can you print on both sides of a sheet, like for a two-sided postcard?

Yes. We typically don’t imprint as deeply, to avoid from interfering with the image on the opposite side of the sheet. Letterpress is best when we can put a nice deep impression into the paper without much concern for the opposite side of the sheet.

Can you combine full-color digital printing and letterpress?

Sure, we do digital printing on the same paper stock that we letterpress on. We can print letterpress right over a color image or combine letterpress with spot color. Send us your design and we can advise you. (Keep in mind that the 2-ply thicker weight stocks cannot be fed through the digital machines though. So we would be limited to a thickness no greater than 140#.)

How long does the order take to print?

Depending on the time of year, invitation packages take approximately  1 to 3 weeks from approved proofs. Single piece orders such as business cards are usually 7 – 10 Business Days.  Please call to get current turnaround times.

Do you offer rush service?

We can “rush” your order for a 50% upcharge.

Can I at least get the envelopes faster so we can start addressing them?

We can “rush”  your outer envelope for a flat $50 additional fee. The rest of your order would have our normal turnaround time.

Can you typeset/design my job for me or do you only work from supplied artwork/files?

The pricing on our website is based on your supplied artwork/files. If you basically know what you want, but need us to typeset/design it for you, our fee is $80/hr.

What type of paper is best for letterpress printing?

Thick, spongey cover stock is best. We use Crane 100% Cotton, Savoy 100% Cotton, Legion Bamboo Paper 90% Bamboo 10% Cotton.

What is the thickest paper you can print letterpress?

We’ve printed on 70 pt chipboard. If you prefer an extra thick stock, we offer 220# Crane Lettra or 236# Savoy.

What is the thinnest rule you can letterpress?

The thinnest line we can letterpress is .25 (1/4 point). Any thinner than that and the line may break apart on the plate.

Can large solids be letterpress printed?

Yes and no. Letterpress is best suited for line art, small screens, half-tones, and text. Usually any solid area larger than 1 square inch thick needs to be “double bumped” which can entail extra charges. Any solids larger than a couple inches would have to be offset printed. Occasionally we have a job that requires offset on a portion and letterpress on another portion.

What if I you print my job and I later realize that I need another 25?

This happens occasionally. It’s no problem to rerun your job and get you a few more.  It would have been substantially more economical to have ordered 25 more originally when we had your job on the press. The price difference between 100 vs 125 invitations is quite small compared to the rerun cost of 25.

What color inks can I choose from?

Just as in offset printing, we can letterpress any Pantone color you specify. Go to: http://www.thelogoloft.com/pantone/index.html  to see sample images of a Pantone color chart.  Just remember the color on your monitor is just an approximation of what the color would look like on paper, as not all monitors are calibrated to look the same, not to mention you’re looking at color with light beaming through it. Let me repeat that…your monitor will not accurately display colors and should not be used to select colors when color matching is critical!

What is edge-painting?

Edge-painting is where a color is applied to the very edge of the card (not the front or the back, but the edge, much like a gilded book). This can be done in virtually any color, including gold, silver, etc. The effect is most pronounced on our thicker stocks.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept VISA, Mastercard, Amex, cash and checks.

How do I order?

Simply click the Order Form Button. You can also call us at (305) 441-5263 from the hours of 10am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. All the job specifications (paper type, ink colors, sizes, etc.) can be emailed to us at any time. Lucy@LucyPrint.com