The Art of Using Brass Rules in Letterpress Printing
Here’s a fun fact: achieving straight lines or underlines in letterpress isn’t as simple as pressing a button. Instead, this craft relies on the precise use of brass rules. These rules are essential tools made from strips of machined brass, crafted to provide the crisp, clean lines needed for professional-quality prints. This replaces the use of an “underline” in any computer program, for example!
The Role of Brass Rules
Brass rules come in various thicknesses, typically measured in points, with 1pt and 2pt being common sizes. These rules are meticulously set into the composing stick alongside the type. Once in place, they serve as guides to create straight lines, borders, or underlines in a design. Here at Reflex Letterpress, we have patterns such as flowers, checkers and more that can be used as an “underline” on any invitation or paper good. The beauty of brass rules lies in their durability and precision, ensuring that each line is consistently sharp and aligned.
Why Brass Rules Matter
For those passionate about the tactile and visual quality of letterpress printing, brass rules are indispensable. They allow printers to add elegant touches to their designs, from underlining text to creating intricate borders. This technique highlights the dedication and skill involved in traditional printing methods. It distinguishes letterpress work from modern digital prints. Another important note: the brass material is too hard to easily (and cheaply) make into patterned rules for flowers and other patterns. We use type metal (lead, tin and antimony) to cast those speciality rules. And since they’re wider than a simple line, the pressure of the press spreads out over a larger area. So even though the metal is softer it can still hold up to printing.This also makes the process much cheaper!
Embrace the artistry and precision of letterpress printing with the timeless technique of brass rules. It’s these details that make each piece a unique and cherished work of art. Make sure to stop in and see us here in Boston, MA for all your printing needs, and add a but of flair to your project with our rules, too!
