FAQs
HOW DOES PRICING WORK?
Price is dependent on various factors including quantity, ink colors, complexity of design, and any additional finishing or assembly. We’re happy to receive any pre-designed files or work with ideas you already have and use that to put together an estimate. If you have a specific amount you’d be comfortable spending, we’re more than happy to show you options to fit within that budget. Something to keep in mind is that each color required for your project calls for its own printing plate, as well as a separate run on the printing press, since only one color can be printed at a time.
CAN YOU PRINT A design I ALREADY HAVE?
Yes, we can work with a design and/or brand specifications you already have. We can letterpress print your logo and match any ink color with the Pantone Matching System.
We’d be happy to review your design - email hello@orchardletterpress.com - and you’d be several steps ahead if you followed these specs:
PDF, .ai, or .eps files ideally created in Illustrator. Images should be vector-based or high quality TIFFs (600dpi)
Outline the type, and have the image in 100% CMYK solid colors
Extremely small or fine/thin type, or imagery with less than a .25 stroke will not be able to be printed
DO YOU OFFER CUSTOM DESIGN FOR DIGITAL PRINTING too?
Though we specialize in designing for letterpress printing, we realize it is not the technique for every project. We perform letterpress printing in-house, and digital printing is outsourced to our trusted local partners.
ISN’T DOING EVERYTHING BY HAND REALLY SLOW? HOW LONG WILL I WAIT FOR MY STATIONERY?
We use traditional methods because they add an immeasurable amount of value to the finished work, and we embrace the chance to connect to materials and slow down. That said, we pride ourselves on our fast turn-around time. As stated above, since all projects are a custom collaboration, the timeline is greatly influenced by the details. Included in each quote is five rounds of design (if it even takes that many), and once the final proofs are approved via digital PDF, generally allow 15-21 days for the ordering of materials, printing, and finishing.
WHAT PAPER do you print on?
We print most of our projects on 100% cotton, acid-free, biodegradable paper. This paper is made specifically for letterpress printing and has a great texture while taking an impression beautifully. It is available in Brilliant or Natural White, and several weights. Different types of paper are available through other manufacturers, and we can discuss these options if you’d like.
WHAT INK COLORS ARE AVAILABLE?
Click HERE to view our chart of recommended printing ink colors.
We can match any color using the Pantone Matching System. If you have a Pantone swatch-book, please choose from the Uncoated line. If you do not, we can work with you to determine the best color for your project, or you can send us a physical swatch. Fluorescent inks are also available.
METALLICS: Metallic letterpress inks, such as Gold, Copper, and Silver, print matte.
LIGHT COLORS: Letterpress printing works best with darker inks on lighter paper. If you are looking to use a very dark paper, such as navy or black, a light colored ink will not show up well, as the inks are not completely opaque.
BLIND/TINTED DEBOSS PRINTING: We can print blind (no ink) or with a transparent ink. This look is great for design accents, a subtle effect with imagery, or on very large type, but should be avoided for important business information.
CAN YOU PRINT LARGE SOLID AREAS OF COLOR?
Yes, however, it’s not ideal for letterpress printing, as the consistency is difficult to maintain and may cause what we call a “salty” appearance, where fibers of the paper show through the color. This effect is dependent on type and tone of paper, and color of ink. Letterpress inks do not print opaque, and this characteristic is likely to come out when printing large solid areas. Also, large solid areas often need to be printed with a more shallow impression. We have used this “knockout” technique on a couple of projects, we just require that you understand the outcome before proceeding.
DO YOU DO ENVELOPE ADDRESSING?
We can print your return addresses onto envelope flaps and also your mailing address on response cards for your guests. We do not, however, print individual guest addresses onto envelopes as letterpress is not suitable for variable printing. For this, there are several talented local people we recommend, whether you’re looking for digital or hand-calligraphy addressing on your envelopes and we’re happy to help you coordinate with them.