Letterpress Printing Services
Please note: presently our customer based letterpress printing operations are on standby until we settle in a new Location. Our book publications and press repair services are still ongoing.
Printing the old‑fashioned way on early 20th century presses, RED ONION PRESS can create hand crafted customized invitations, place cards, envelopes, greeting cards, gift tags and much more! Letterpress printing is an art form that stands out due to its distinctive embossing and fine paper. Our shop combines 19th century craftsmanship with contemporary digital design capabilities. Using either hand typesetting or digital polymer plates produced directly from your files, we can provide you with design options for your next formal event. Endless fonts, styles and paper selections are available. Production time after copy approval is two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does letterpress printing cost?
There are a number of factors that contribute to the cost. Some are based on your choice of paper type, thickness and quality. Letterpress can be printed on many type of surfaces and thickness of material. It performs better on uncoated stock than on smooth enamel. Our letterpress equipment is hand fed, we do not charge labor hours. That means our prices are cheaper than a commercial shop. Printing is one of the ways we sustain workshop along with donations, sales of artwork and membership dues. Since there are so many factors the best way to begin is to request a free quote, where we can break it all down for you.
Base pricing examples with production ready design and choice of paper:
200 pcs - 3.5 x 4.875 invitation cards, 100 lb printed one side and folded with envelopes - $200 - $250 depending on paper choice
500 pcs 3.5 x 2 one color business cards 220 lb cover stock - $95 to $135
1,000 pcs - 3.5 or 4 in, one color beverage coasters - $156 - $200
(Additional colors, and quantities affect pricing. Blank cardstock and envelopes must be either prepaid or customer supplied. We would be glad to assist you with recommendations regarding paper type and online sources.)
Can you run large orders?
Yes, however delivery on larger orders will have be scheduled out in advance. A large order is anything over 5,000. Given that we are a small printshop with handfed equipment, we will regretfully decline to quote on any production run beyond our capacity.
How large can the shop print?
Currently the Red Onion can print up to 24 x 26 in by hand
How do I submit a design?
Work that is camera ready, including the drawing should be submitted as a full sized .pdf file We prefer pre-separated, Illustrator (default) pdf files but also accept Illustrator files with all the linked images embedded and the fonts outlined. We can accept pdf files from many other applications, but the output would need to be verified and compatible with letterpress printing. We do not have foil printing capabilities at this time.
Design services are available at $40 per hour .
And we print Coasters!
Letterpress coasters are a great way to promote your brew, wine, spirits, pub or bistro!
Crafted by hand, die-cut and printed the old-fashioned way on early 20th century presses, RED ONION PRESS can create eye‑catching coasters imprinted with your logo design where it can’t be missed by any customer every time they raise a glass! Letterpress printing is an art form that stands out due to its distinctive embossing and quality. 25% off your first order of 500 or more!
Auburn High School Class of 1989 chose custom coasters for their reunion from the Red Onion Press! Metallic silver, blue and a light shadow embossing die cut and laminated to a pulp board coaster base.
Crafted by hand, die-cut and printed the old-fashioned way on early 20th century presses, RED ONION PRESS can create eye‑catching coasters imprinted with your logo design where it can’t be missed by any customer every time they raise a glass!