ferrotyped

Ferrotyping is a printing and coating process that imparts a high-gloss, mirror-like finish to a surface. This effect is achieved by pressing a wet or partially dried coated material against a highly polished, heated metal cylinder, commonly known as a ferrotype plate. The smooth surface of the cylinder transfers its polish to the coating as it dries, creating the characteristic glossy appearance.

Historically, ferrotyping was widely used in the production of photographs, particularly for glossy prints, and in the finishing of printed materials like book covers and packaging. The process involves applying a coating, such as varnish or lacquer, to the substrate. This coated surface is then brought into contact with the heated ferrotype plate under pressure. As the coating dries, it conforms to the extreme smoothness of the plate, resulting in a reflective surface.

The term "ferrotype" itself refers to the polished metal plates, often made of steel or chromium-plated steel, that were used for this purpose. While the traditional ferrotyping process has largely been superseded by more modern techniques like high-gloss varnishing and lamination, the principle of transferring a smooth finish from a polished surface remains relevant in various industrial applications. The term is sometimes used more broadly to describe any process that achieves a high-gloss, mirror finish through contact with a polished surface.