Because letterpress is not like your ink-jet printer, which can print multiple colours at once. 99% of letterpress machines are single colour each colour must be printed one colour at a time.
Each colour also requires its own plate be made. It also requires that the press and rollers be cleaned
Embossing can be thought of like a paper mountain – where the image is pushed from behind the sheet to raise the image above the paper. Embossing requires two dies or plates (male and female) to produce a sharp, clean result.
Debossing can be thought of like a paper valley –
Yes, blind stamping (an impression without ink) is counted as a colour as although it appears no ink is used, a separate film, plate and press setup are required. We have developed a signature technique to ensure a crisp result.
We advise clients to think of blind stamping as a dessert