For many small businesses, designers, and creators, the return of letterpress printing has opened new possibilities for producing high-impact print materials. Letterpress delivers tactile quality and depth to business cards, invitations, and small-batch packaging – something digital processes often can’t do.
At the heart of any successful letterpress project is the plate. The quality, material, and setup of your letterpress plates directly influence the final finish of your print.
What Are Letterpress Plates?
Letterpress plates are the surfaces used to transfer the debossed detailing onto your chosen material. These plates hold the raised design (either text, patterns or bespoke artwork) which presses into the paper or substrate during printing.
While traditional letterpress printing used handset metal type or wood blocks, modern printers now rely on a variety of custom-made plates that can be tailored to suit almost any design.
Types of Letterpress Plates
Today, there are three main types of letterpress plates in use:
1. Photopolymer Plates
Photopolymer plates are made by exposing a light-sensitive material to UV light through a film negative. The exposed areas harden while the unexposed areas are washed away, creating a raised surface.
These plates are favoured for their precision and are ideal for fine text or detailed line work. They’re also relatively quick to produce, making them a practical choice for smaller print runs or design-led studios focused on turnaround speed.
2. Magnesium Plates
Magnesium plates are etched metal plates made using acid and a film negative. They’re more durable than photopolymer and can withstand the heat of foil blocking or embossing, which is why they’re often used in multi-purpose hot foil and letterpress setups.
However, they require more time and specialised equipment to produce, which makes them slightly less accessible for hobbyists or small studios without outsourcing.
3. Brass Plates
Brass plates are the most durable option and are typically used for long-run or highly detailed jobs that require consistent, crisp impressions over time. These plates are precision-engraved and are commonly used in hot foil stamping, but they also perform well in letterpress when deeper impressions are needed.
Brass plates cost more upfront, but their longevity and sharpness make them suitable for detailed, reusable branding work.
How Letterpress Plates Are Used
Letterpress plates are typically mounted onto a base to raise them to type-high (0.918 inches or 23.3mm in the UK). This ensures that the printing surface makes even contact with the substrate when pressure is applied.
Depending on the press you’re using, the plate may be attached with adhesive, magnetics, or clamps. The quality of the base and mounting can make a significant difference to the alignment and consistency of your print.
Choosing the Right Letterpress Plate for Your Project
When selecting a plate, it’s important to think about what you’re printing, how many copies you need, and how frequently you plan to reuse the design.
- For one-off or short-run print jobs: Photopolymer plates are usually the best fit. They’re affordable, fast to produce, and detailed enough for most print needs
- For mid-range runs or mixed processes (e.g., foil and letterpress): Magnesium plates offer better versatility without a major price increase
- For long-run, high-detail work or reusable branding elements: Brass plates are ideal. Though more costly upfront, they deliver lasting performance
Why Plate Choice Matters for Small-Batch Printing
For small businesses and independent creators, every impression counts. Choosing the right letterpress plates can improve consistency and deliver the quality that customers now expect.
The wrong plate can lead to uneven pressure, fuzzy edges, or misaligned prints, especially on textured stocks. By selecting the most suitable material for your volume and surface type, you’ll get cleaner results with fewer errors. Printing on uncoated card, recycled paper, or luxury packaging board? Your plate performance makes a real difference.
File Preparation and Plate Creation
To create a high-quality letterpress plate, your artwork needs to be properly prepared. Some key things to keep in mind:
- Use vector artwork: Plate makers generally need vector files for best results, with formats like .ai or .eps ensuring line sharpness during plate production
- Keep consistent line weights: Especially for photopolymer plates, uneven line thickness can result in uneven impressions
Common Uses for Letterpress Plates in Today’s Market
Letterpress printing has re-established itself as a premium finish in the following areas:
- Wedding and event stationery
- Brand collateral
- Luxury packaging
- Limited-edition art prints
Because letterpress plates can be produced at relatively low cost (especially photopolymer), they allow small brands to elevate the feel of their print without moving into high-volume manufacturing.
How Letterpress Plates Compare to Traditional Type
Letterpress originally relied on movable metal type set by hand with each letter, number, or symbol needing to be arranged individually. While this method still has a place in heritage printing and bookbinding, it’s limited when it comes to custom design or branding.
Letterpress plates allow custom artwork, logos, or type to be precisely reproduced. They also simplify setup, allowing for quicker turnarounds and greater design flexibility.
In short, letterpress plates bring the charm of traditional print into the pace and style of modern business.
How Metallic Elephant Supports Letterpress Work
While Metallic Elephant is best known for hot foil stamping equipment, many of our clients also run mixed-use setups that include letterpress. Our hand-built machines and accessories are designed to work seamlessly with photopolymer, magnesium, and brass plates.
We support our customers with:
- Foil-compatible presses that can double up for debossing and blind letterpress
- Custom bases and dies for secure plate mounting
- Accessories that simplify plate alignment and positioning
- Servicing and training for mixed-use setups
Our team has years of experience advising on how to get the best results from your press.
Why Letterpress Plates Still Matter
Letterpress plates are the backbone of high-quality print. Whether you’re producing small-run invitations or building a brand identity rooted in craft, understanding your plate options can transform how your work looks and feels. Looking for expert support to get the most from your letterpress plates, get in touch with us. We’re here to help you choose the tools that suit your goals, your process, and your customers.
Written by Metallic Elephant