Tüüptrükk

Tüüptrükk, also known as letterpress printing, is a relief printing technique that involves pressing inked type or blocks onto paper or other surfaces. This method was the standard for printing books and other materials for centuries before the advent of offset printing and digital technologies.

The process begins with the creation of movable type, where individual characters or symbols are cast in metal, typically lead alloys. These pieces of type are then arranged by hand in a composing stick to form words, lines, and pages. Once a page is set, it is locked into a frame called a forme. Ink is applied to the raised surfaces of the type using a roller, and then paper is pressed against the inked surface, transferring the ink and creating an impression. The distinct tactile quality of tüüptrükk, often characterized by a slight indentation of the type into the paper, is a hallmark of this technique.

While largely superseded for mass production, tüüptrükk has experienced a revival among artists, designers, and hobbyists who appreciate its artisanal nature and the unique aesthetic qualities it produces. Modern letterpress printers often use both traditional metal type and photopolymer plates, which can be made from digital designs. The deliberate and often slower process of tüüptrükk allows for a high degree of control and a tactile, handcrafted feel to the printed output, making it popular for limited edition prints, invitations, and fine art books.