Lithographic Stones

Lithographic Stones

Lithographic stones are specialized stones that are used in the printing industry for the process of lithography. Lithography is a printing technique that uses a flat stone or metal plate as a printing surface. The stone is treated with a chemical that allows ink to adhere to the image areas, while the non-image areas repel ink. When the stone is inked and pressed against paper, the ink is transferred to the paper, creating a print. Lithographic stones are typically made of a fine-grained limestone that is quarried from specific locations around the world. The stone is carefully selected for its quality and uniformity, as any imperfections or variations in the stone can affect the printing process. The stone is then cut into sheets of various sizes and thicknesses, depending on the needs of the printer. The process of preparing a lithographic stone for printing is a complex one that requires a skilled technician. The stone is first ground down to a smooth and even surface using a special abrasive called a levigator. The technician then applies a chemical solution to the stone that creates a hydrophobic surface in the non-image areas. This solution is typically a mixture of gum arabic, nitric acid, and water. Once the stone has been prepared, it is ready for printing. The printer applies ink to the stone using a roller, making sure to cover only the image areas. The stone is then pressed against the paper, transferring the ink and creating the print. Lithographic stones are an important tool in the printing industry, and they have been used for centuries to create high-quality prints. While the process of preparing and using lithographic stones is time-consuming and requires a high level of skill, the results are well worth the effort.

lithography, printing, limestone, hydrophobic, ink

— Michael Harris