Printing Methods

This portion of the exhibit covers two postcard printing methods that were popular in the United States from 1920 to 1950: halftones and process printing. It gives a basic overview of these methods, particularly in relation to how each handled the application of color to postcards. It does not delve into the finer details of these methods or the pieces of equipment used, instead taking a broader approach.

The final part of this section covers an integral part of postcard production: retouching. At some point during the production process, almost every single postcard underwent retouching, and this fact is especially true for postcards printed using halftones and process printing.

Before delving into this section, it's important to note that all of the techniques discussed here involve postcards with images that are based on photographs (rather than drawings). 

Image Credit

Unknown photographer. "Teich Offset Presses." Photograph. ca. 1910 - 1950. Record Group 4, Box 2, Folder 1, Curt Teich Co. Records, The Newberry Library, Chicago, Illinois. JPG file.