Paper & Materials
100% Cotton Paper
Archival quality paper made from cotton fibers. The long fibers create a strong, durable sheet with excellent ink absorption and impression holding. Available in various weights from lightweight text papers to heavy card stock.
The surface is smooth yet receptive, allowing letterpress impressions to form cleanly while maintaining detail. Colors range from bright white to warm off-white tones.
Natural Kraft Paper
Unbleached paper with visible fiber texture. The natural beige color provides warmth and contrasts beautifully with bold inks. The slightly rough surface creates interesting interactions with printing processes.
Kraft paper works particularly well for linocut prints where the texture adds character. The paper's natural color affects how inks appear, creating muted, earthy tones.
Textured Finishes
Various paper finishes including laid, linen, and embossed textures. Each finish affects how ink sits on the surface and how light interacts with the printed piece.
Textured papers require careful consideration of printing pressure and ink consistency. The texture becomes part of the design, adding visual interest and tactile quality.
Ink Types
Oil-based letterpress inks provide rich color and durability. Pigments are ground finely and mixed with oil binders that cure through oxidation.
Colors are selected for their opacity, mixing properties, and how they interact with different paper types. Black inks range from warm to cool tones. Accent colors include muted clay red, soft grays, and natural earth tones.
Material Selection Process
Testing & Selection
We test each paper type with different inks and printing methods. This process ensures we understand how materials will perform before committing to a project.
The texture, weight, and fiber content all influence how ink sits on the surface and how impressions form. Some papers work better with letterpress, others with linocut.
Quality Standards
All materials meet archival standards, ensuring longevity. We select papers that will age gracefully, maintaining their appearance and structural integrity over time.
Colorfastness, pH levels, and fiber quality are all considered when choosing materials for our work.
Ink Characteristics
Oil-based inks provide depth and richness that water-based alternatives cannot match. The curing process creates a durable finish that resists fading and wear.
We mix custom colors when needed, allowing for precise control over hue, saturation, and opacity. This flexibility enables us to achieve the exact visual effect we're seeking.
