Raised Printing aka Thermography

Also known as thermography, is used to give a printed image a raised up glossy appearance.  Originally developed to mimic the look and feel of engraving it has become a wonderful creative tool for use in designing invitations, business cards and greeting cards.  The process begins with regular offset printing and a fine powder of resin is dusted over the wet ink.  A vacuum cleans off excess powder leaving some of it stuck to the wet ink.  It is then passed through an oven which melts the resin leaving a raised glossy appearance with the same color as the ink used.  Using clear ink, raised printing can add transparent texture and gloss without color.