Below you will find our print capabilities,` along with ideas and helpful suggestions to help maximize the effectiveness of your finishing project. We are happy to walk you through the process of designing the perfect die, and if you are looking to save time and dollars, we have thousands of existing dies in our archives. Our experts are just a phone call or email away, and ready to help you work out any die-cutting dilemma or foil-stamping fixation. Please email us if you have an idea or suggestion to pass on.

FOIL STAMPING

  • Foil stamping is a process done on our kluge press where heat and pressure are applied to a copper die which “stamps” foil onto a sheet of paper. Using this technique, we can create as little or as deep of an impression on the sheet as desired. As many elements (type of foil, type of paper, size of text on a die, etc.) effect this process, pieces can vary from one to the next.

  • Our team is available at any time to offer expertise for best results on your project.

Artwork Preparation:

  • Foil stamping die files must be sent as all black PDFs to size and in position. With multicolor jobs, each foil color requires it’s own all black PDF. In addition, please email composite proofs in full color.

  • Always include crop/ trim marks, and bleed if the design requires it.

  • Do NOT knock out areas to be foil stamped within a larger printed area. Foils are opaque and will cover anything on the sheet. In addition, holding registration in such areas is nearly impossible.

LETTER PRESS

  • Letterpress is a process done on our Heidelburg windmill red ball press where pressure and ink are applied to a letterpress plate and pressed onto a sheet of paper. Like foil stamping, this technique can create as little or as deep of an impression as desired.

    Artwork Preparation:

  • Letterpress plate files must be sent as all black PDFs to size and in position. With multicolor jobs, each letterpress color requires it’s own all black PDF. In addition, please email composite proofs in full color.

  • Always include crop/ trim marks on your file.

ENGRAVING

  • Our recent on-site incorporation of this elegant and detailed printing technique now makes Artisan2 the only "inside-the-beltway" engraver. Invitations, announcements, stationery and virtually any business or personal communication will impress with this classic approach.

DIE CUTTING

  • Die cutting is a process done on our Kluges or Ijima press in which the machine “cuts paper” into the shape of the die cutting die.

  • Be aware that different paper stocks can have an effect on the outcome of the product. For example, coated stocks may crack at a score. Contact us in advance for sample dummies and to help determine optimum stocks.

  • If gluing is required, be sure to design your project so that no ink appears in the glue areas.

  • Glue ears used on pocket folders that are to be machine glued must be 1" wide and extend from the main body of the piece.

  • Hand-glued ears should be the opposite -- extending from the pocket flaps.

Artwork Preparation:

  • Use .5 pt BLACK lines to indicate die elements in your drawing application (Adobe Illustrator, etc.)

  • Always include overall crop/trim marks!

  • Solid, unbroken lines indicate cuts

  • Dashed lines indicate scores

  • Perforations should be indicated by a solid line with the word "PERF" adjacent to it.

  • Email HIGH-RESOLUTION PDFs with instructions as needed, along with any relevantcomposite proofs from the printed parts of the project.

  • Separate different functions into separate PDFs. For example, if a project has die cutting and embossing send each as separate files since they may go to different vendors. A composite proof is helpful for reference as well

EMBOSSING/DEBOSSING

  • Be aware of how stock will respond and react. For example, more textured or pliable stocks allow for deeper embossing. Contact us in advance for sample dummies and to help determine optimum stocks.

  • Know the difference between embossing (raised above the surface) and debossing (depressed into the surface).

  • There are a variety of embossing depths, styles and bevels: flat, rounded, sculptural, etc. Talk to us in advance to determine how best to specify embossing dies for each project and stock!

  • Be aware of how small and tight elements will reproduce. The "halo" effect caused by the die flattening areas adjacent to embossed/debossed element can be minimized on press, but only in areas where there is enough open space from which to remove die material.

  • Here's a great reference page on types of embossing.

Artwork Preparation:

  • Always include overall crop/trim marks!

  • Areas to be flat embossed should be solid black, not outlines Ask for guidance on art preparation formulti-level/scupltural emboss dies.

  • Email HIGH-RESOLUTION PDFs with instructions as needed, along with any relevantcomposite proofs from the printed parts of the project.

  • Separate different functions into separate PDFs. For example, if a project has die cutting and embossing send each as separate files since they may go to different vendors.

ADDITIONAL OFFERINGS:

  • Paper duplex allows us to customize and create your own paper.

  • Ink edge is a technique used to add color to all four edges of your paper.

  • Digital printing provides color, images and variable data.