our presses

In May of 2019 Heidi took a Letterpress intensive weekend class in LA (from Britt at Swell Press) and fell in love! The process is so intricate, so precise, and a true art that is a centuries-old. This artisan printing method has evolved from wooden and metal type to a more modern approach using polymer plates that allow for amazing creativity and freedom. It’s like fusion cooking; taking the old and mixing it with the new in fresh ways. Our creative juices are flowing and we are so excited to introduce this ancient printing method at Mango Ink! In June of 2019, we found a Press and brought her to her new home and named her Charlie. She is an 1895 Chandler & Price Platten Press and so beautiful! In addition, we also have Lucky. She is a 1962 Heidleburg Windmill. She is a star. And don’t forget Luna, our yellow beast of a paper cutter. She cuts like butter.
Perfectly crisp edges and so dreamy.

Be sure to follow us on instagram to see the journey under the highlights.

WHAT IS LETTERPRESS?

The most luxurious print method that exists. Designs are created into polymer plates. These plates are created by exposing a reverse negative of the design atop a UV sensitive polymer. The result is almost like a stamp, where each design and or color to be printed has its own plate.  

The letterpress plates are adhered to a base that is locked into place on the letterpress machine. The plate is lined up perfectly, using the grid on the base and the registration guides on the machine, and then meticulously measured to make sure the design will print perfectly straight. It’s a labor of love for sure!

 The press is inked up with letterpress ink that has been mixed by hand in-house using the Pantone formula guide. The nature of letterpress allows printing of one color at a time, requiring a separate plate and a separate pass through the press for every color to be printed.

Cotton paper that has been specially trimmed to size for the project is hand fed through the press, one sheet at a time. Careful attention is paid to various factors throughout the printing process such as alignment, impression, ink coverage, and color consistency. 

After printing, the paper is carefully trimmed to final size and you have the most amazing piece of art that started centuries ago. It’s yours.