Tips & Guidelines
Preparing Files for Letterpress
File Types
Please prepare files as vectors within either Illustrator or InDesign CC, with type converted to outlines and any linked art files included separately. Alternatively we can also accept fully editable PDFs (eg. they can be opened in Illustrator with no missing image links or font errors). If you would like us to convert your artwork for letterpress please include a note when forwarding your artwork and we can include an estimate for this service in your quote.
File Setup
Note: Projects are completed on our Chandler & Price New Series printing press with a maximum image size of roughly 9"x 14" (overall page size 12" x 18").
Be sure to check all lines are a minimum .3 point size - no hairlines please! This also applies to outlined line widths.
Keep typography at a minimum size of 6pt and outline all text before sending your file for review. If your design includes reversed type we recommend 12pt or larger depending on the typeface being used.
Include a bleed of 0.125” if your artwork is designed to print past your final trim size and include trim marks no shorter than 0.125”.
When choosing your colour(s) keep in mind that our process utilises individual inks, mixed by hand using the Pantone Matching System (PMS) for Uncoated Paper - be sure that this is the swatch guide you are using when picking your colour(s). Be aware that each colour used requires it’s own set-up and print run and will increase the cost of your project.
Separate each colour onto it’s own layer. It pays to note that letterpress inks are slightly translucent and overlapping areas will create new colours as the inks are laid down on the paper (eg. yellow ink overlapping blue in a design will create green). This also means that the paper colour being used will also show through the ink slightly once printed. Large areas of solid colour on cotton paper may produce slightly textured look (or ‘salty’ appearance) rather than a fully opaque solid - this is distinctive of letterpress printing and can be used to enhance your design!
Clean up your file and remove all unnecessary/unused objects before sending (eg. unused layers, objects outside of the artboard that are not part of your final design, unused swatches in the swatch palette, etc.).
Leave imposition to us and please send each design to be printed as a single, individual copy on it’s own artboard.
File Prep + Services
Proofing: A complimentary PDF proof of your final, print-ready artwork will be provided via email for approval prior to production beginning. Artwork requiring changes after submission will incur a flat fee of $65 per proofing round.
File Preparation: If you would prefer us to prepare your file for letterpress this can be arranged and charged at an hourly rate. We’re happy to estimate based on your design so just include a note along with your request/artwork for a file preparation quote.
Artwork Cleanup & Digitising: We’re old hands at digitising calligraphy, lettering, and line art for letterpress. If you’d like us to quote on this for your design please include a note with your quote request. Cleanup includes (but is not limited to) scanned illustrations, hand lettering, calligraphy. High-resolution (minimum 600dpi) scanned imagery required.
Quick Tips
Blind Impressions: Printing ‘blind’ is a letterpress impression made without ink to create a deboss effect without any colour. As these impressions also require a plate to be formatted and made be aware that this process still counts as one colour when planning your project.
Solid colours are king! If your design calls for shading or gradients try substituting cross-hatching or dots to achieve a similar effect.
Hot Foil Stamping, Embossing, and Debossing are different print processes to letterpress and aren’t methods we offer in-house at present. Get in touch if your project combines one or more of these methods with letterpress and we can discuss how we might collaborate with trusted specialty printers who do.
Our house paper is Reich Savoy. Custom stock may be sourced on request (additional pricing will apply).
Questions?
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch directly with any questions you may have about preparing for file for letterpress and the printing process, I’d love to hear from you to talk about your print project and what you have in mind.
Email production@foundrypaperco.com or send us a note via the form below!