What is "Raised Ink" printing?

Raised ink printing is the engraving-like effect that is achieved by raised ink printing, a printing process actually known as thermography.

What is it used for?

Engraved printing is not as common now as it once was and is traditionally used for formal stationery, such as wedding invitations and business cards, because of its rich, elegant appearance.

What is Engraving?

In engraving, stationery is pressed onto an engraved copper plate, which causes the printed letters to rise slightly off the page. Hence, "raised ink."

What is Thermography?

In thermography, the design is printed onto the sheet and the sheet is then passed under a powder funnel that sprinkles a very fine powder-like substance onto the sheet. The sheet is then passed under a heated oven that fuses the powdered particles to the wet printing ink. A high-powered vacuum is then used to remove the excess powder from the paper. This fused mixture then creates the "raised" appearance you see when the mixture hardens.

What are the benefits?

Thermography produces the traditional effect of engraving without the expensive and time-consuming engraving process, making the traditional effect more affordable.

What to be careful of

Raised ink printing requires the use of materials especially designed for the technique, otherwise problems can occur such as the curling of paper, caused by the high temperatures used in this process.