How to Care for a Letterpress Folded Card
By Heartell Press | Published: 2026-10-28
Category: Tips & Care
Learn how to store, handle, and display your letterpress folded card so the impression stays crisp and the paper stays flat.
Quick answer
Store your letterpress folded card flat in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, and handle it by the edges to keep the impression crisp and the paper clean.
Why letterpress cards need special care
The deep impression that gives a letterpress card its tactile appeal is created by pressure — the paper fibers are compressed, not just inked. Once that impression is made, it can be flattened by heavy objects or softened by moisture. A little awareness goes a long way toward keeping the card looking like the day you bought it.
How to care for your letterpress folded card
- Store flat, not standing up: Place the card in a flat box or drawer with the folded side lying flat. Standing it on edge can cause the paper to curl or the fold to weaken over time. Check that no heavy books or objects are stacked on top of the card, as pressure can flatten the letterpress impression.
- Keep away from direct light and humidity: Store the card in a dark, dry spot — a desk drawer or archival box works well. Sunlight can fade the ink, and moisture can soften the paper fibers and relax the impression. Avoid attics, basements, or bathrooms where humidity fluctuates.
- Handle by the edges: Oils from your fingers can transfer to the paper and attract dirt. Hold the card by its outer edges when writing or displaying it, and consider using a clean cotton glove if you are handling it often. If the card already has smudges, a soft eraser can lift light marks — test on a hidden area first.
Product spotlight
- You Taught Me How (Planting) Letterpress Card: Letterpress printed from a hand-carved woodblock on 100% post-consumer recycled paper. Recycled paper can be more sensitive to humidity and pressure, so proper storage is especially important to preserve the crisp impression.
You Taught Me How (Planting) Letterpress Card
