Litografik

Litografik is a term that refers to the process of lithography, a planographic printing technique. This method of printing is based on the principle that oil and water do not mix. In lithography, an image is created on a flat surface, typically a stone or metal plate, using a greasy or oily substance. This image is then treated with a chemical solution that fixes it to the surface. After the surface is dampened with water, the water adheres to the areas not covered by the greasy image, while the greasy image repels the water. Ink, which is also greasy, is then applied. The ink adheres only to the greasy image and is repelled by the water-covered areas. When paper is pressed onto the inked surface, the ink transfers to the paper, creating a print of the original image.

Lithography was invented in 1796 by Alois Senefelder. It was initially used for printing musical scores and maps, but it soon became a popular medium for artistic prints and posters. Artists appreciate lithography for its ability to capture a wide range of tones and textures, from fine lines to broad washes. The process allows for considerable detail and subtle gradations of color. Modern lithography often utilizes aluminum or polyester plates instead of traditional stone. Photolithography, a variation of the process, uses photographic methods to create the image on the plate, and is a cornerstone of modern offset printing for books, magazines, and packaging.