The printing processes from Bella Figura Press:
- Engraving - Engraving is still done the way it was hundreds of years ago, with hands-on expertise and etched metal plates for the raised impression and backside indentation it’s known for. The inks are more opaque than other inks, allowing light color inks to show on darker paper stocks.
- Foil Stamping - Foil stamping uses a combination of heat, pressure, and metallic paper, which allows us to add a bit of shine to our designs. You can see examples of foil stamping on many of our wedding invitations.
- Letterpress - Letterpress is a historic printing method using a special plate. Because letterpress printing is done on antique printing presses, each piece that we print will be subtly unique. These small variations are part of what makes letterpress beautiful. All of Bella Figura's 70+ letterpress inks are low-VOC and vegetable oil-based. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are emitted gases that come from certain solids and liquids. They contribute to global warming and have adverse affects on human health, so low-VOC things are good things.
- Embossing - Unlike letterpress, where the printing plate is pushed into the paper (or debossed), embossing uses printing plates, pressure, and heat to create a raised design. Embossing adds a lush tactile element. We can emboss without ink or foil in a technique known as blind embossing. This process showcases the paper’s texture while creating a more subtle look. Foil embossing is also an option that creates a raised design gilded in the foil color of your choice. Sculpted embossing still creates a raised print area but adds additional dimension. Instead of one consistent raised surface (as seen with regular embossing), the artwork can have dimensions or different heights. Think of the natural curve of a flower’s petal or the rocky landscape of a mountain range. Sculpted embossing can be done without foil (blind) or with foil. While both techniques are lovely, the shimmer of foil accentuates the details of the dimension, highlighting the artwork’s curves and indentations.
- Digital - Digital printing is a modern printing method that allows for a wide array of colors. Unlike letterpress printing or foil stamping, where ink or foil is actually pressed in to our paper one color at a time, digital printing is flat, and can print multiple colors at the same time.
We look forward to discussing your selections with you in terms of best compatibility for any given design and paper selection, please don't hesitate to reach out!
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