Lithography, a commercial printing technique, transfers artwork from a smooth surface, typically a flat stone or metal plate, onto paper or other materials. This planographic process utilizes a flat printing block, where the image is drawn with an oil-based medium and gum arabic emulsion. This creates a salt layer around the image through a process akin to etching. The drawing material is then removed, leaving a salt layer that retains the original design’s traces. To print, the stone is moistened with water, ink is applied, and the paper and stone are pressed together, transferring the ink to produce clear printouts.
Modern lithography has evolved significantly, boosting its commercial viability. Industries now commonly use it in the United States for printing letterheads, labels, and various stationery items in high demand.
The printing industry values lithography for its ability to reproduce both text and illustrations effectively. It allows for runs exceeding 1,000,000 impressions for short-to-medium length projects. Beyond newspapers and books, lithographic printing serves general commercial needs, quick printing services, and the production of business forms and legal documents.