Reaves Engraving, Inc.

Thermography and flat printing, unlike the other processes, are produced on a high-speed offset press - the same kind of press used to produce newspapers, magazines, flyers and other printed items. The two processes differ after the press puts ink on the paper. Flat printed pieces are complete at that point. Thermographed items, on the other hand, are then sprinkled with powdered resin which sticks to the wet ink. The excess resin is then vacuumed off the paper (occasionally some of the resin remains on the stock and results in a gritty texture) and the stationery proceeds through a heated tunnel. The high temperature causes the ink and resin mixture to boil and results in the raised effect you can feel on the completed stationery. The finished piece has an appearance similar to engraving but without the bruising on the reverse, and the text typically takes on a slightly shiny appearance.