Postcard Printing Methods Explained

 If you have decided to get your postcards printed, you have probably already noticed how easy it is. There are many different ways to do this and most of them are free! Let's take a look at the four main methods: Letterpress, Lithography, UV, and Metallic. If you aren't sure what each of these processes is, read on to find out more! We've compiled some of the best postcard printing tips, and we'll show you how to choose the right method for your postcard printing needs.

Letterpress

While letterpress used to dominate the printing trades for decades, its use on postcards remained limited to advertising cards and books. Today, letterpress is a modern process with many advantages, including a wide range of paper types. Letterpress can be done on tree-free, organic, or handmade paper. This provides designers with an unlimited number of possibilities for production. Furthermore, letterpress paper has a classic feel and finish that evokes an era of high quality. Collectors also appreciate letterpress postcards.

The process of letterpress printing involves several stages. The first step is composition, where movable type is assembled. This stage is usually handled by hand, and tools like a bodkin, composing stick, and string is used. The person charged with this process is known as a typesetter or "compositor."

Lithography

The advent of photography made lithography an attractive and highly practical medium for postcard printing. Since negatives could be developed directly on photopaper, postcard publishers distinguished genuine photographs from false reproductions. A view of the Woolworth Tower, seen from the West, is identified as a genuine photograph. This distinction ensured that postcards containing real photographs would be of high historical accuracy. With lithography's technical advancements, large print runs were possible, using various hand-colored plates to produce vibrant colors. The creative use of ink also gave the New York streets a fairytale flavor.

The process of lithography involves a simple chemical reaction between a photographic negative and a printing plate. In this process, the positive part of an image is water-repelling while the negative part is water-retentive. Ink is transferred to the plate using a compatible ink and water mixture. The result is a clear, detailed, and durable picture. Lithography for postcard printing is a great choice for businesses that want to promote their products or services to consumers.

UV

UV postcard printing is a great way to add a unique finishing touch to your printed materials. UV postcard printing makes certain parts of your design pop off of the page, which can be a great way to add an extra level of depth to your designs. This type of printing is not a good choice if you need to maintain the color of the entire design. The UV coating on your postcards will preserve the design's base color.

UV postcard printing is great for high-quality, professional-looking marketing material. With the special coating, you can draw attention to the text, logo, and other important design elements. These postcards are usually used to promote premium products or services. You can also choose matte or glossy cardstock. The spot UV coating works best on matte cardstock. You can also order spot UV postcards in any size you need. If you are unsure of the size you need, you can choose between standard postcard sizes and extra-thick 16-pt. cardstock.

Metallic

A metallic postcard is a great way to draw attention to your marketing message. Not only does it look great, but it also catches the light and creates a sparkly sheen when it catches the light. Metallic postcard printing is ideal for use in a variety of ways, including promotional cards and postcards for special events. For example, a festive event might call for a postcard that is in full color. A rounded corner adds an extra touch of uniqueness and helps make your postcard stand out from the rest.

With its built-in sparkle, metallic postcard printing will entice prospective customers to attend your next event. You can highlight the details of the event and what attendees will gain from attending it. A postcard can create a buzz about a sale or promotion, attracting the attention of hundreds or even thousands of potential customers. Postcards are more accessible than direct mail because you don't have to open an envelope to read the information inside. And because they are so small, people can read them easily and can easily pass them along to others.

Velvet

If you are looking for a luxurious touch for your marketing campaign, velvet postcard printing is an ideal option. Printed on 16-pt cardstock, these postcards are thick and scuff-resistant. You can choose to have your postcards printed in full color on one side or both sides and add a spot UV coating for extra protection. The standard size for velvet postcard printing is 4" x 6".

The process of using this type of card varies with the number of sides you want to be printed, the size of the postcards, corner options, and quantities. The paper used for these cards is 16-pt C2S (Coated Two Sides) Card Stock and the lamination is soft velvet. The card thickness is then increased to 19-pt. The design is then printed in four color processes, either offset or digital.