As collectors, we often may neglect the journey that our stamps have made to get into our hands for us to sort, organize and sell. Here we discuss the different ways that stamps are made.
Offset printing is a common printing method used to produce postage stamps, as well as many other printed materials. In offset printing, the image to be printed is transferred from a printing plate to a rubber blanket, which in turn transfers the image to the printing surface (such as paper). This process is known as “offset” because the image is not printed directly from the plate to the paper, but is instead offset onto an intermediate surface (the rubber blanket) before being transferred to the final substrate.
In the case of postage stamps, offset printing is often used because it is capable of producing high-quality, detailed images with consistent colors and sharp lines. The stamps are typically printed in large sheets, with multiple stamps arranged in rows and columns. After the sheets are printed, they are cut into individual stamps using a perforating machine, which creates small perforations (or “teeth”) along the edges of each stamp to make them easier to tear apart.
Offset printing is a versatile and efficient printing method that can be used for a wide range of printing applications, including books, brochures, magazines, and packaging materials, as well as postage stamps.
Postage stamps are typically made through a process called offset printing, which involves several steps:
Design:
First, the stamp design is created by an artist or graphic designer. The design may feature an image, text, or both, and it should include any required information, such as the denomination, country name, and year of issue.
Printing Plate:
A printing plate is then made from the design. This is typically done by photographing the design and transferring it to a metal or polymer plate.
Ink:
The printing press is prepared by adding ink to the ink fountains, which are then transferred to the printing plate.
Printing:
The printing plate is then pressed against a rubber blanket, which in turn presses the ink onto the stamp paper. This process is repeated for each color used in the design.
Cutting:
Once the stamps are printed, they are cut from the sheet using a perforating machine, which punches small holes along the edges of the stamp so that they can be easily separated.
Packaging and Distribution:
Finally, the stamps are packaged and distributed to post offices or other retailers for sale.
Postage stamps can also be printed using other methods, such as engraving, letterpress printing, or digital printing, depending on the specific requirements of the stamp and the printing technology available.
Want to learn more about postage stamps? Take a look at the guides section.
33 year old casual stamp collector from the UK!
