Specialty Printing Finishes
Most printing puts ink on paper. Specialty finishes do something more — they press, raise, foil, or sculpt the surface so the piece is felt as much as seen. A finish is the difference between a card that gets glanced at and one that gets kept.
Wells & Drew has worked in these finishes since 1855. This guide explains what each one is, how it's made, and when to choose it — so you can brief a project with confidence.
Engraving
The oldest and most refined finish we offer. A design is cut into a copper or steel plate; ink is forced into those recesses and the paper is pressed against the plate under tons of pressure. The result is crisp, raised type with a faint impression on the back — the hallmark of fine stationery. Best for law firms, financial advisors, and executive correspondence.
Read: Engraving vs. Printing →
Letterpress
The reverse of engraving. Instead of raising the ink, letterpress presses a raised plate into the sheet, leaving a tactile, debossed impression you can run a thumb across. It has a handmade, characterful look that pairs beautifully with thick cotton stock. Best for business cards, announcements, and brands with a craft story.
Read: What Is Letterpress Printing? →
Foil Stamping
A heated die presses a thin film of metallic or pigment foil onto the sheet. It's the brightest, most light-catching finish available — gold, silver, copper, or solid color with a polished sheen. Best for logos, monograms, packaging, and anything that should catch light.
Read: What Is Foil Stamping? →
Thermography (Raised Print)
A printed image is dusted with resin powder and heated until it swells into a raised, glossy surface. It mimics the raised feel of engraving at a friendlier price. Best for business cards and letterhead that want a raised feel on a budget.
Read: Thermography vs. Engraving →
Embossing & Debossing
No ink at all — just shape. Embossing raises an image off the sheet; debossing presses it in. Both are created with a sculpted die and pressure, and both are often combined with foil or engraving. Best for logos, seals, monograms, and refined blind detail.
Read: Embossing vs. Debossing →
Choosing a finish
The right finish depends on the impression you want, the stock you're printing on, and the budget. Paper weight matters as much as the finish itself — a heavy cotton sheet carries an impression the way a light sheet never will.
Read: How to Choose Paper Weight →
Not sure which finish fits your project? Our Jacksonville workshop will walk you through samples. Request a quote, or explore our business cards and letterhead.