Lithography in practice

Lithography is an extremely versatile form of printing that is a particular favourite among artists, as it provides ample scope for freedom of expression. It’s a process that can be used to print text or art onto any smooth surface. It creates an image using a hydrophobic chemical and water. A plate is inserted into a compatible ink and water mixture. The ink adheres to the positive image, which is the hydrophobic chemical, while the water cleans the negative image. The litho printing process is compatible with a diverse range of paper types, from lightweight paper to heavy boards.

Artists have been using lithography as an expression of their creativity since the 19th century. All artistic tools of the trade, such as pencils, pens, crayons and oils can be used to equally good effect. Two of the most famous artists to use lithography in expressing their work are Goya and Delacroix, who used the process to create magnificent artistic posters.

The artist’s creativity isn’t the only element that can be brought to the creation of the piece. The printing process itself can be used to add new, unexplored dimensions. A famous example of this is a work by Robert Rauschenberg, called “Accident”. His stone broke while he was working through the litho printing process. He painstakingly recreated the image only to have the second stone also break during the process. Instead of recreating another image he decided to use the broken stone while making the prints, and so the apt name of “Accident” came about. The breaks are clearly visible and add an unexpected depth to the work, enhancing its value, rather than detracting from it.

On a commercial level, traditional lithography has made way for photolithography. This process involves the use of a photographic negative in conjunction with gelatine covered paper, which transfers images to a stone or metal plate. These days a metal plate is used more often than a stone one. The conversion from stone to metal plates has resulted in them being easier to attach to rotary litho presses, which in turn led to an increase in the speed and quantity of production. Photolithography has eliminated the time consuming method of drawing the image onto the stone, saving effort and allowing for more complex designs.

We see examples of litho printing every day in many of the things that make up our lives, such as magazines, brochures, photographs, post cards and promotional material. The range of colours available is virtually limitless, with delicate shades and hints of highlights. The process can simulate the effect of any artistic effect from sketching to broad-brush strokes to the precision of photography.

Lithography has worked very well as a medium for a number of well-known and critically acclaimed artists, including Manet and Whistler. Some artists have even proved that the process needn’t turn out perfectly for a work of art to be considered exceptionally creative and timeless. The process also has several commercial applications, examples of which can be seen on almost anything that requires a logo, text or diagram printed on it. It’s fast, efficient and produces quality prints hundreds of times over. When looking for creative and innovative ways to take your business’s branding to new dimensions, and to add an extra element to your business cards, litho printing is a surefire method to attract attention.

Recommended site:

http://www.whatislithoprinting.com/

Sandra wrote this article for the online marketers Circle Brochure Printing colour brochure printing one of the leading printing companies in the UK