Blind letterpress is a process used by Jukebox to achieve subtle impressions in cardstock without strongly affecting the opposite side of the stock. This creates a visual effect similar to debossing, where there is an impression made without any ink. This process does not create as deep or obvious impressions as those achieved through the traditional debossing process. Blind debossing will not produce an opposite emboss of your design on the back side of the card. You may see some slight show through on the back of thinner stocks, but this will not be an embossed effect. 

Blind debossing can be used on almost any type of stock, however if you are choosing this method so you can print on the back side of the card, we recommend one of our 24pt Mega Thick stocks.

We can letterpress designs with full bleed (print to the edge); however, it is highly recommended to avoid this for full covered backgrounds. Letterpressing areas with large ink coverage will appear blotchy and you may receive a File Error about this from our Prepress team.

Letterpress is intended for a minimalist look and is typically designed with ample white space. If you prefer to fill the background with designs, please do so with minimal ink coverage. For example, use patterns as opposed to a full solid colour.

You may request a Custom Print Quote and submit your files to see if they will be suitable for Letterpress.

Not all designs are suitable for Letterpress output. Below are some guidelines for Letterpress printing:

Letterpress cards are printed with spot colours – which will need to be defined in your supplied press-ready PDF file.

Please see: Setting up press-ready spot colour file.

Letterpress is the oldest of the major printing processes. It uses a plate with fixed raised surfaces and pressure to apply ink to the material. This pressure also leaves a slight indent (or relief) in the paper.

As more cost-effective printing methods have been developed (such as Digital and Offset output), the usage of letterpress has declined greatly. However, the old-world charm of Letterpress has now become a highly sought-after look and feel.

Letterpress is a more labour intensive process (compared to Digital and Offset output), and hence premium and expensive service.

This specialty classic style output creates the most elegant pieces – perfect for wedding invites, special occasion flyers and premium business cards.

Get a Glimpse of Jukebox Letterpress Printing In Action

Samples of our Letterpress products are available by ordering a Specialty Sample Pack.