See How Gilt Edged Invitation Cards Score Better Than Their Counterparts

Stationery or printed products with a silver, gold or other metallic edges are known as ‘gilt edged’. This is a finishing technique which dates back centuries. Though an ancient tradition, it still continues to convey subtle sophistication and is ideal for numerous occasions. From business cards to invitation cards to pages of a book, anything can be given a gilt edge.

Then and Now

Considered the most elegant of finishes, gilt edges were reserved for important manuscripts such as religious books and literature classics in hardcover. Today, this highly specialized technique can be reproduced on a variety of printed products including invitation cards and business cards. A business card is a subtle way of providing your contact information to prospective clients to establish an instant rapport. This is where gilt edge business cards come to the rescue. With their distinctive touch and fabulous finish, they are sure to be noticed.

Nowadays, the choices of colour in gilding are not restricted to silver and gold. Using colours apart from the metallic shades can give the printed items a contemporary yet traditional feel.

The Process

The cards to be gilded are first placed in a clamp to ensure a firm and stable grip. The next step is to sand down the edges so that they are really smooth. Adhesive is then applied to the smoothened surface before placing the chosen piece of foil over it. Heat and pressure is applied evenly over the glued foil to prevent any creasing or folding. Then, the foil is slowly peeled away from the edges to reveal the gilt edges on the cards.

Things to Know When Opting for Gilding 

• The thicker the paper, the greater the impact of gilding is likely to be.
• Gold and silver are likely to be the most effective.
• Bevelled edges can make the gilding visible even when the card is face up.

While a gilt edged invitation card is sure to convey the message of a luxurious event or celebration, business cards with gilt edges are sure to underline elegant sophistication.

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Why Choose Letterpress Printing for Invites and Business Cards?

The oldest method of printing, letterpress is characterized by the beautiful finished result wherein one can ‘feel’ the printed content. Having originated in the 15th century, it remained the primary mode of printing for nearly five centuries. Discovered by Johannes Gutenberg, the ‘Small Press Movement’ played a significant role in ensuring the technique stood up to the advances of modern technology. Today, it has become more of an art form and is more concentrated on a niche market.

How It Works

Letterpress printing works on a simple principle in which a raised image is created on a metal block with the required differences in height to create clean prints with etched images. The ink used is usually of high pigment levels to provide sharp images. Every single colour has to be printed individually in this process.

Platen, flat bed, and rotary presses are the main letterpress printing devices used in current times. The end result is raised, inked lettering or images that are crisp and clean. This is why a letterpress wedding invitation looks more elegant and gives out a dignified aura as opposed to regular invitations.

Types of Impressions

Letterpress impressions can be classified into two—embossing and debossing. In the former, a raised image is obtained while in the latter, a depressed image is obtained. No ink is transferred in either and the paper is pressed between a two-sided die.

Advantages of Letterpress 

There is no doubt that letterpress cards are unique and underline one-of-a-kind craftsmanship. Besides this, a letterpress invitation is sure to have greater visual definition in comparison to other forms of printing. This technique is perfect for use on thick and heavy card paper or for purposes that require specific typography. The etched impressions create a rich texture that conveys intimacy and uniqueness on a different level.

Letterpress invitation cards can be used for all kinds of events from weddings to bar mitzvahs to birth announcements and bridal showers. Event promotion posters are increasingly featuring letterpress styles while letterpress business cards have been in vogue for long.

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