Lithography Flat Printmaking

Alongside intaglio and relief printing, which require carved printing plates, the planographic printing process of lithography deserves special mention.

Lithography is based on the separation of the printing plate into ink-receptive and ink-repellent parts through chemical reactions and physical processes. Specifically the difference is between the use of hydrophilic water-liking or hydrophobic water-avoiding,and lipophilic fat-liking or lipophobic fat-avoiding materials. A drawing is made on the hydrophilic surface of the printing plate using water-repellent substances. The unmarked areas are then prepared in such a way that they become increasingly water-receptive. If a damp sponge is then wiped over the plate only the unmarked areas will absorb the water, while the drawing itself will repel it. The entire surface of the printing plate is then rolled up with greasy ink, which will adhere to the drawing, while being rejected by the water-bearing areas. By using a press the ink can be trans-ferred to paper and by repeating the inking and printing process, multiple impressions of the drawing can be made.

 

Senefelder lithography ink

The Litho Ink Tusche for lithography with the highest pigment load to meet the artists expectations for high prints quality. Excellent for all forms of lithography and monotype on stone. The Litho Ink Tusche Senefelder contains resins that make it harder and more resistant with a great, solid black.

Senefelder process and preservative ink

Roll Up Black for rubbing – process and preservative paint for lithography – not-drying. Use at the second, main etching or to secure the stone for later use.

Senefelder asphalt

Bitumen for negative drawing 110 ml – serves to draw or block out areas. Similar to tincture or ossa sepia, contains wax. It’s better to let it dry possibly overnight as liquid materials before proceeding with the negative areas of drawing.

Senefelder tincture

The most grassy and elastic kind of tincture for negative drawing 110 ml – serves to draw or block out areas. It’s better to let it dry possibly overnight as liquid materials before proceeding with the negative areas of drawing.

Senefelder ossa sepia

Bitumen for negative drawing 110 ml – serves to draw and block out areas. It’s better to let it dry possibly overnight as liquid materials before proceeding with the negative areas of drawing. Contains rosin and protects very well from the nitric acid.

Litho crayons

Litho crayons in different hardness grade; extra hard, hard, medium, soft and greasy. One of the most important and versatile solid drawing material. They come in the form of square sticks in a different hardness grade that depends on consistency and abrasive properties of the material mixture and the style of drawing. So each hardness may leave a different mark on the stone – from delicate and crumbly particles to dark marks on the plate.

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