Engraving

How to Identify
Finely Detailed, raised letters surrounded by a
subtle smoothing of the paper and mirrored by
indentations on the reverse.

How it is done
Ink is applied to a copper plate etched in
reverse.  With great force, the paper is pressed
into the plate to adhere the ink.

Thermography

How to Identify
Slightly glossy, raised letters that
sit on top of the paper.  No
indentations appear on the reverse.

How it is done
Letter is flat printed and dusted
with powder while still wet.  The
powder is then heated, forming a
raised surface over the ink.  
Thermography is not entirely
opaque and changes slightly with
the tone of the paper.
Letterpress

How to Identify
A distinctive, almost soft look with the
printing characteristically "indented"
into the paper.

How it is done
This oldest of printing methods dates
back to the Gutenberg Bible.  
Letterpress uses raised type, which is
inked and pressed into the paper with
carefully calibrated force.  The result
is a tactile quality and graceful,
nostalgic look
Embossing

How to identify
A distinctive three
dimensional image or motif on
paper.

How it is done
Achieved by using a metal die,
usually made of brass and a
counter die that fit together
and actually squeeze the fibers
of the substrate.  The pressure
and combination of heat
actually raises the level of the
image onto the paper.