Business Details
41 Years
experience
Craftsmanship in Fine Stationery Printing
Established in 1985 by Tim Honnor, Piccolo Press has dedicated itself to preserving traditional printing craftsmanship in an increasingly automated industry. Our expertise lies in reviving classic techniques such as letterpress, embossing, thermography, die stamping, and engraving, which we have refined over decades to deliver unparalleled quality. With a team combining seasoned artisans and innovative newcomers, we maintain heritage machinery built to last, ensuring precision and reliability in every project.Our commitment to customer satisfaction drives every bespoke order, from wedding stationery to corporate invitations, serving clients globally while maintaining our Scottish roots. Recognised as the only printers in Scotland offering die stamping and engraving, we pride ourselves on transforming paper into tactile artistry that reflects individuality and sophistication.
Services
Letterpress Printing
Embossing
Thermography
Engraving
Die Stamping
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We preserve rare printing techniques perfected over 35 years of heritage
- Our team combines decades of artisan experience with innovative approaches
- Only Scottish printers offering exclusive die stamping and engraving services
- Bespoke designs tailored to individual client specifications and preferences
- Global reputation for delivering exceptional quality and attention to detail
Services
Letterpress Printing
Our letterpress printing utilises vintage machinery to create deep impressions on premium paper stocks. This centuries-old technique produces tactile, raised text and intricate designs that modern methods cannot replicate. Each piece undergoes meticulous hand-feeding and ink application by skilled artisans, ensuring consistent quality and character. Clients benefit from the timeless elegance and bespoke finish that define our luxury stationery offerings.
Embossing
Blind embossing creates striking three-dimensional designs without ink, using custom dies to raise paper fibres. Our process combines precision engineering with artisanal craftsmanship, producing crisp, permanent impressions that enhance visual and tactile appeal. This technique works particularly well for crests, monograms, and decorative elements in wedding and ceremonial stationery, adding sophisticated depth to designs.
Thermography
Thermography produces raised text effects through heat-set resin application. We use this technique to create elegant, glossy finishes on invitations and business stationery. The process allows for precise control over texture and sheen, offering a cost-effective alternative to engraving while maintaining professional quality. Clients appreciate the dimensional impact and visual contrast achievable with this method.
Engraving
Our engraving service produces fine, recessed impressions using hand-prepared plates. This technique transfers ink from etched surfaces to create crisp, indelible text and artwork. Particularly suited for formal invitations and corporate stationery, engraving ensures exceptional detail reproduction and durability. The process works with various metallic and standard inks to achieve distinctive, professional results.
Die Stamping
Die stamping applies metallic foil accents using heated custom dies. We specialise in gold and silver finishes that enhance specific design elements with striking visual appeal. This technique requires precise pressure and temperature control to ensure clean, consistent application. Clients choose die stamping for adding luxurious highlights to wedding invitations, business cards, and ceremonial documents.
People
Tim Honnor
Founder
Former Royal Navy officer Tim Honnor established Piccolo Press in 1985, driven by a passion for preserving traditional printing methods. With over three decades of experience, he leads our team in maintaining heritage techniques while adapting to modern demands. His vision ensures our continued excellence in hand-crafted print solutions.
Questions
What traditional printing techniques do you offer?
We specialise in letterpress, embossing, thermography, engraving, and die stamping - techniques that create tactile, visually distinctive prints using heritage machinery and methods.
Can you create custom stationery designs?
Yes, our team works closely with clients to develop bespoke designs tailored to individual preferences, including paper selection, colour schemes, and typographic treatments for unique results.
Do you serve international clients?
We regularly work with clients worldwide, offering global shipping and digital proofing services to ensure quality control across international projects.
What stationery types do you produce?
We create wedding invitations, personal stationery, corporate materials, ceremonial documents, and speciality items like dance cards and game cards using traditional methods.
How can I request a printing estimate?
Use our online form to provide project details, or contact us directly for a custom estimate. We'll assess your requirements and provide accurate pricing for your bespoke order.
Do you offer sample packs?
Yes, we provide sample packs containing various paper stocks and printing techniques to help clients experience our quality before placing orders.
