Branntetting

Branntetting is a historical term used in some Scandinavian printing and graphic arts contexts. The literal meaning, “burnt setting,” reflects its association with heat-related practices in the preparation and finishing of printing elements. The precise definition of branntetting varies among sources, and its usage differs by region and period, making the term somewhat elusive in modern references.

Historically, mentions of branntetting appear in early modern printers’ manuals and regional catalogs. Descriptions generally indicate that heat or burning played a role in shaping, preparing, or finishing components used for printing. In some accounts, techniques involve applying controlled heat to metal type or matrices to alter surfaces, facilitate casting, or improve durability. In others, branntetting is linked to pyrographic or burnishing methods applied to wood or metal printing blocks to create texture, enhance ink uptake, or seal surfaces. The term often overlaps with other crafts such as engraving, etching, or early typesetting technologies, reflecting a broader spectrum of heat-assisted practices.

The technique declined with the rise of standardized printing technologies, including modern hot metal typesetting, photomechanical methods, and digital typography, which reduced or eliminated the need for heat-based finishing steps. As a historical term, branntetting is primarily of interest to researchers studying regional printing histories and the evolution of pre-industrial graphic arts.

See also: hot metal typesetting, pyrography, letterpress, printing technology history.