Specialty Finishing
Priority Press is distinct from the typical commercial printer. At Priority, we perform our own specialty finishing including die-cutting, foil stamping, embossing and thermograving. There are few commercial printers today who can perform all these services themselves. This is important to our customers because it means the ability to further differentiate your project while providing higher quality, faster delivery and lower costs.
At Priority Press our specialty finishing processes are completed by seasoned professional craftsmen. With decades of experience operating letterpresses and honing the skill of the specialty craft, you can rest assured that the craftsman that completes your project will produce the highest quality outcome possible.
Die Cutting
Die cutting is a printing process where an object is cut out of a sheet of paper using a steel rule die. The die, which can be designed for any shape or design, has cutting rules that make the precise cut. The die is used on a special die cutting press to create the final product. Examples of die cut products might include packaging, door hangers, pocket folders, tabs and distinctively cut notepads, business cards or brochures.
Foiling
Foil stamping is a process whereby foil is added to paper to enhance the elegance, prestige or flare of a project. Foils, which come in metallics, pigments and other substrates, are applied utilizing a die, pressure and heat. Foil stamping is an excellent choice in differentiating a project from the competition and conveying an element of quality to the brand.
Generally, there are two types of foil stamping: flat foil stamping and combination foil stamping. Flat foil stamping produces the foil stamp on paper and appears two dimensional. Combination foil stamping produces the foil stamp on paper, but this time the stamp is either raised (embossed) or lowered (debossed) to provide a three dimensional appearance. In combination foiling, multi-level dies can be utilized to provide intricate detail.
Places where one might find foil stamping applied include the business cards for the United States Congress (metallic gold foil with multi-level stamp), product packaging, commencement programs, letterhead and high-end, distinctive marketing brochures.
Embossing
Embossing is a process whereby a three dimensional image is stamped into a sheet of paper utilizing a die, counter die, heat and pressure. The die and counter die are designed for any shape, image or design desired. The die is used on a letterpress which actually performs the process of stamping the die into the paper. The use of a stamped emboss adds an element of distinctiveness and provides a touch of "pop" to help a project stand out.
While embossing refers to stamping a three dimensional image into a sheet of paper, generally the term is used to refer to a raised image. In the case where the image is lowered into the paper, the terms "impressed" or "debossed" are typically used although both are technically embossed.
There are three types of embossing: color register embossing, blind embossing and combination foil stamping. Color register embossing utilizes ink in conjunction with the stamped emboss. Blind embossing utilizes the stamp emboss, with no ink present on the raised area. Combination foil stamping is described in the foil stamping [link] section of this website.
Places where one might find embossing applied include business cards, letterhead, pocket folders and marketing brochures.
Thermography Printing
Thermography is a specialty printing process that produces raised printing as an end result. Thermography printing is also known as "imitation engraving". However, an engraving die is not required with thermography and the process is considerably faster and less expensive than engraving.
In thermography printing a thermography machine is used in conjunction with a tradition printing press. When the ink is still wet, powdered resins are applied to the printed area. The resins and ink are fused together during a high heat baking cycle which takes place inside the thermography machine. Once the process is complete, the final product is cooled and the result is a raised image on the paper.
Places where one might find thermography employed include business cards, greeting cards, wedding invitations and packaging. Thermography can also be used to print braille text.
If you are not currently a Priority Press customer, please submit inquiries or contact us by clicking here, or by telephone at 888.955.PRINT.