For the Patmag base user: we recommend the 152SB plate for most letterpress printers. Some printers find they prefer printing with a harder plate, the 145HSB. This harder plate gives less distortion than the 152SB on type smaller than 8 points or on thin lines. However, the 152SB holds slightly better detail. The 145HSB plate is a little less flexible than the 152SB and may crack if flexed too much on the magnetic base.
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I have a Boxcar Base. What plates do I purchase?
Standard Boxcar Base users: We offer 3 different plate types for the Standard base. A popular plate type is the Jet 94FL. If you are using the plates for a long period of time, this plate resists curling and brittleness the longest. Another option is the KF95 plate. However, some printers find they prefer printing with our hardest plate – the Jet 94 Clear (94CHFB). The harder plate has the least compression when printing, and gives less distortion than the 94FL on type smaller than 8 points. However, the 94 clear plates do get brittle in as little as 3 months so they are best for short term or limited use jobs. All 94/95 plates are the same price per sq inch for our platemaking service.
Deep Relief Boxcar Base users: The KF 152 plates work with our Deep Relief Boxcar Base.
How many impressions can I get off a plastic-backed photopolymer plate?
If you take care of them, the plates will last for as many impressions as you need them (or for years of use). Plastic-backed photopolymer, in commercial applications, lasts for thousands of impressions – the plastic is incredibly hard and durable. Read about how to take care of your polymer plates.
What’s the biggest problem that printers new to photopolymer encounter?
Photopolymer plates offer an way to letterpress print extremely detailed designs with a deep heavy impression (or a kiss impression if you’re so inclined). The chief problem that new photopolymer users encounter usually deals with roller height/roller condition. But no worries! Unlike larger problems like war or global warming, roller issues do have concrete and relatively easy solutions. We recommend rubber rollers and, if using a platen press, solid trucks. If switching from lead type/magnesium plates, you’ll want to keep a much closer eye on your rollers. You may find our general printing FAQ’s useful, especially if you’ll be using a Boxcar Base.
I want to know more about polymer right now! Where should I turn?
What do I need to be able to letterpress print with your photopolymer plates?
You’ll need:
- a printing base. The polymer plates we create aren’t type high by themselves. They need to be mounted on a base to make a type-high printing surface. We recommend our Boxcar Base system. Letterpress printers also use magnetic bases from Patmag or Bunting. If you are printing on a DIY press such as L Letterpress, please refer to this tutorial.
- a Printing press. Remember that most letterpress printing presses people purchase will not be ready to print beautifully right away and a little tender loving care will be needed. Be prepared to purchase new rollers or do other maintenance on your press!
- Ink. we recommend Van Son rubber-based letterpress inks, which you can order in any uncoated Pantone number! Or you can purchase the Van Son base colors and mix your own colors. View the inks we carry.
- various pressroom supplies, including printers furniture, quoins, tympan paper, type gauge, ink knife and (if using a platen press) Kort gauge pins or Henry gage pins.
- a fashionable printing apron
We now sell letterpress starter packs, which contain a lot of what you’ll need to get started.