THERMOGRAPHIC PRINTING – RAISED INK PRINTING
Thermographic printing creates a distinctive raised, tactile finish by applying resin powder to printed ink and heating it until it fuses to the surface of the paper or card.
Also known as raised ink printing or raised printing, thermography gives printed text, logos and artwork a subtle three-dimensional effect without physically embossing the paper.
At Dynamic Print, we produce specialist printed finishes for business cards, wedding stationery, invitations, certificates, menus, packaging and luxury printed materials.
WHAT IS THERMOGRAPHIC PRINTING?
Thermographic printing is a specialist finishing process that creates raised printed ink using resin powder and heat.
The design is first printed onto the chosen paper or card. While the ink is still wet, a fine resin powder is applied to the printed areas. Excess powder is removed before the sheet is heated, causing the resin to melt and bond to the ink.
The result is a smooth, raised and tactile finish that adds texture and visual impact to printed work.
HOW DOES THERMOGRAPHIC PRINTING WORK?
The process is relatively simple:
- Print – the design is printed using suitable ink.
- Apply powder – resin powder adheres to the wet printed areas.
- Remove excess – unwanted powder is removed from the sheet.
- Heat – the resin is heated until it melts and bonds to the ink.
- Finish – the result is raised, tactile printed detail.
THERMOGRAPHIC PRINTING & FONT CHOICE
Thicker and more substantial fonts generally work best for thermographic printing.
Because the raised effect is created from resin powder applied to printed ink, very fine lines, delicate typefaces and extremely small lettering can be less suitable.
Bold, medium-weight and heavier fonts tend to produce a cleaner and more defined raised finish.
If you’re unsure whether your artwork is suitable, send it to us and we can advise you before production.
WHAT CAN THERMOGRAPHIC PRINTING BE USED FOR?
Thermographic printing is particularly effective for:
- Business cards
- Wedding invitations
- Wedding stationery
- Certificates and awards
- Invitations
- Menus
- Corporate stationery
- Luxury packaging
- Branded stationery
It can be used to highlight names, logos, headings or other important elements of a design.
THERMOGRAPHIC PRINTING VS EMBOSSING
Thermographic printing and embossing can both create a raised effect, but they work differently.
Thermographic printing raises the printed ink using resin powder and heat.
Embossing physically presses the paper or card between specially made dies to create a raised design.
Thermography is therefore ideal when you want raised printed ink, while embossing creates a physical three-dimensional shape in the paper or card.
We can advise on which process is best suited to your design, paper and budget.
THERMOGRAPHIC PRINTING VS LETTERPRESS
Thermographic printing is sometimes compared with letterpress because both produce tactile printed work.
Letterpress physically presses the design into the paper, creating an impression.
Thermographic printing creates its raised effect above the surface using resin and heat.
Each process produces a different look and feel, and both can be combined with other specialist print finishes depending on the project.
SPECIALIST PRINT FINISHING FROM DYNAMIC PRINT
At Dynamic Print, specialist print finishing is at the heart of what we do.
Alongside thermographic printing, we offer hot foiling, embossing, blind debossing, die cutting, letterpress and digital printing.
Our workshop combines traditional printing equipment, including our collection of vintage Masselley presses, with modern digital print technology.
We work with businesses, designers, creative agencies, wedding professionals and individuals looking for something more distinctive than standard commercial printing.
DISCUSS YOUR THERMOGRAPHIC PRINTING PROJECT
Looking for thermographic printing or raised ink printing for your next project?
Send us your artwork or tell us what you’re looking to produce. We can advise on suitable paper, artwork, fonts and finishing options to achieve the best possible result.
Contact Dynamic Print to discuss your thermographic printing requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hot foil printing is a finishing process that uses heat and pressure to transfer foil onto paper, card, vellum and other suitable materials. Traditional hot foil stamping can also create an impression in the material.
Yes. We regularly hot foil suitable vellum for wedding invitations, stationery, overlays and other creative projects.
We work with gold, silver, rose gold, copper, black, coloured, satin, matt and holographic foils, depending on the project.
Yes. Hot foil can be combined with embossing, blind debossing, die cutting and digital printing.
Yes, depending on the particular card stock and project. We work with a wide range of specialist papers and card.
Often, yes. We regularly test and work with unusual papers and materials. If you’re considering something unusual, get in touch. We can discuss the material and the effect you’re trying to achieve and advise on what may work.
Have a project in mind?
You don’t have to have everything worked out before you contact us.
If you know what you want, send us the details and we’ll provide a quote. If you’re still deciding on paper, foil or finishing, we’re happy to talk through the options.
01603 400040
quotes@dynamicprint.co.uk
