Bella Carta Studio

We offer a variety of different printing options. Keep in mind, however, that some materials will work with specific printing options and some won’t. We will advise you based on your specific needs and desires.
Offset Lithography :: This is flat printing on press. The image is inked onto a roller which then places it on the paper.
Thermography :: The first part of the printing process is the same as Offset Lithography. After the ink is printed on the paper, the paper goes through another machine which drops powder on the wet ink. The paper then goes through an extremely hot oven which raises the print from the page. The result is a raised slightly glossy image, often with some dimpling when printed in large expanses.
Letterpress :: In letterpress printing a metal plate which has the image on it is pressed into a soft paper, often with a high cotton content. The result is super luxurious and so elegant. Letterpress printing is the oldest printing method there is…the Gutenberg Bible was printed with letterpress printing!
Engraving :: The paper is sandwiched between 2 metal plates creating a sharp raised image on the paper. This is the traditional method for printing wedding invitations. The result is matte ink raised off of the paper, as opposed to thermography which has a glossier finish and is usually not as sharp. Engraving is the only method for getting white ink to print on a dark paper unless you print the background color as a reverse on light paper.
Foiling :: a foil is pressed onto the paper, resulting in a sharp, mostly flat, image. Foiling is usually used in instances where the client wants a high shine metallic print or a white glossy print.
Digital :: Digital printing is done on a press quality color laser printer. Most of our wedding day stationery (programs, escort cards, table numbers, etc.) are printed using Digital Printing because these items are often done in the last weeks leading up to the wedding or event. Digital printing allows us that kind of flexibility in timing.