Frequently Asked Questions
How much will it cost to print my project letterpress?
Pricing letterpress, foil, or die-cutting projects involves many dynamics, including number of pieces, colors, paper quality, and complexity of the design. We can generally turn around an estimate in 2 business days or less. Contact us for estimates and pricing.
Is letterpress more expensive than other printing methods?
Generally speaking, yes. Printing letterpress is a time-consuming process of laying down one color at a time using machines that are 50+ years old. It takes expertise, patience and experience to print letterpress.
That said, our experience means we can provide fine letterpress printing at a very affordable cost. We’ve been at it for over 25 years and print nearly every day. We’re experts at efficiency without sacrificing quality. If it can be done, we can do it, and do it well.
What is the turnaround time for my project?
Generally, we need 10 business days to complete a project once a proof is approved. Scheduling depends upon current project work. We do offer rush services for an additional charge.
How do I prepare my design for letterpress printing?
It all starts with your design! If this is the first time you’ve prepared a design for letterpress printing before, that’s all good. Reach out and we’ll be happy to help. We even have a set of templates, in popular paper sizes, that you can use to speed along the process.
Old North State Press File Prep Guidelines
A word about typesize.
Generally speaking, the smallest type size we can print with letterpress is 6pt. You’ll get the best results with 8pt type or larger. Below 6pt type, the counterspaces in the letters tend to fill when printing, especially if you’ve after the deep impression that is a trademark of letterpress printing. That said, it all depends upon the typeface. We’ve printed plenty of work using 6pt type so it is possible to hold type at this small size. We are happy to review your designs for printing and advise, simply email them to us.
Can I learn to print letterpress?
Of course! We enjoy sharing what we know with others. We occasionally offer workshops for both beginners and advanced printers. You can sign up here.
Why letterpress?
Investing in high-quality letterpress printing offers you a unique way to stand out in a digital world saturated with mass production. The tactile impression, rich textures, and timeless elegance of letterpress communicate care, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. Whether for business cards, invitations, or branded stationery, letterpress elevates your printed piece above all others and leaves a lasting, memorable impression.
Why aren’t there more letterpress printers?
Letterpress printing was the predominate printing method until the latter half of the 20th century when phototypesetting and offset printing took hold commercially. While there are many active hobbyist letterpress printers today, skilled commercial printers can be quite rare. It takes more than a table-top press to be a letterpress printer. Fine letterpress printing requires a significant level of skill, patience, experience and specialized equipment. The best letterpress printers are those with a deep appreciation for typography, a mastery of the printing process and an intense focus on details that the casual observer may not even perceive.
If there's anything that holds true to the axiom "it's all in the details" it is letterpress printing.
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