ferrotyping

Ferrotyping is a printing process that produces a high-gloss finish on paper. This is achieved by passing wet sheets of paper that have been printed or coated on one side through a heated calendering machine. The paper comes into contact with a highly polished, heated cylinder, often made of chromium-plated steel. The heat and pressure of the cylinder smooth and glaze the paper's surface, creating a mirror-like sheen.

The process is commonly used for photographic prints, book covers, and other applications where a lustrous appearance is desired. The quality of the ferrotyped finish depends on several factors, including the paper stock, the coating applied (if any), the temperature of the cylinder, and the pressure used. Before the advent of modern digital printing and specialized coatings, ferrotyping was a standard method for achieving a glossy finish. It is still employed today, particularly in niche printing applications and for certain types of specialty paper. The term "ferrotype" itself refers to the highly polished, iron-based cylinder used in the calendering process.