Has, since the introduction of enamelled or polished cards, made rapid
strides toward perfection; the fine absorbing quality of the enamel,
under proper management, producing the most beautiful results,—in many
cases scarcely discernible from copperplate. A card, to be well printed,
requires as careful treatment as a wood engraving, (see p. 280,) so far
as making ready is concerned, and in working without blankets and using
the finest ink. Having made a light impression on the tympan-sheet,
place the pins so as to bring the impression as nearly as possible in
the centre of the card, one pin at the lower side and two at the off
side, taking care that the head of the pin does not come in contact with
the types. The impression should be exceedingly light until properly
regulated,—at no time more than is actually necessary to bring up the
_face_ of the type. Cards are now mostly printed on small card-machines,
at the rate of one, two, and even ten thousand per hour. All cards should
be printed dry.
A small quantity of varnish put on the rollers and well distributed will
prevent the enamel from peeling. The addition of a little ultramarine
blue will beautifully intensify the black ink used in printing enamelled
cards.
The patent extension feed guides, or tympan gauge pins, shown on page
310, will be found very convenient and useful.