litograafiatehnikaid

Litograafiatehnikaid is a method of printing that utilizes the immiscibility of oil and water. The fundamental principle involves drawing an image directly onto a flat surface, traditionally a limestone slab, using a greasy crayon or ink. This drawing material repels water. The surface is then treated with a solution of gum arabic and nitric acid, which etches the non-image areas and desensitizes them to the greasy drawing.

When the stone is wet, the water adheres to the desensitized areas but is repelled by the greasy image. Ink, which is oil-based, is then applied. The ink adheres to the greasy image but is repelled by the water in the non-image areas. Paper is then pressed onto the inked stone, transferring the image. This process allows for fine detail and a wide range of tonal values.

There are several variations of lithography. Direct lithography, described above, is the most basic form. Transfer lithography involves drawing on a separate surface and then transferring the image to the lithographic stone. Offset lithography is a widely used commercial printing technique that involves transferring the inked image from a lithographic stone or plate to a rubber blanket, and then from the blanket to the paper. This indirect method allows for printing on various surfaces and extends the life of the printing plate. Photolithography uses photographic processes to create the image on the printing plate, often employed in the production of printed circuit boards and microelectronics.