What White Letterpress Really Is (and Isn’t!)

Let’s clear something up right away: most of what people call white letterpress isn’t actually letterpress at all! When you see that beautiful, pressed white text on darker invitations or envelopes, what you’re usually looking at is matte white foil. It mimics the look of white ink, but it’s created through a totally different process.

How Letterpress Printing Works

Traditional letterpress is a centuries-old technique that uses rollers to press ink into paper, leaving a soft impression. When it comes to lighter colors like soft grays or dusty blues, letterpress ink handles the job beautifully. However, true white letterpress doesn’t really give you that bold, opaque finish. Because white ink is naturally transparent, the result is subtle and often barely visible, especially on darker paper.

This is why white ink impressions on dark cardstock often disappoint. While the texture might still be there, the white doesn’t pop like most couples are expecting.

Enter Matte White Foil

If you’re looking for a rich white impression that actually stands out, matte white foil is the real MVP. It involves using heated metal plates to press a matte white film into the paper. This creates both the texture and that clean white-on-dark contrast that most people love.

However, it does come at a higher cost. Foilpress requires more specialized tools and a separate production process, which makes it more expensive than traditional letterpress. But the results are worth it if you’re after that bold, elegant finish.

Why This Matters for Your Wedding Stationery

Whether you’re dreaming of white calligraphy on black envelopes or a modern white-on-navy invitation suite, it’s important to know the difference. If you ask for white letterpress, you might end up with a faint look that doesn’t meet your vision. But if you know to request matte white foil, your designer can guide you to exactly the right technique.

Stephanie g. Calligraphy | custom wedding stationery design

Choosing between white letterpress and matte white foil really comes down to the look you’re going for. While letterpress is classic and beautiful, foilpress gives you that striking, opaque effect. Knowing the difference ahead of time can help you make a more informed (and satisfying) choice for your stationery.

If you're planning a wedding or event and want timeless stationery with a refined edge, I’d love to help you create something unforgettable. Reach out to create something magical together!