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Lithography

Lithography works on the principle that oil and water will
not mix. The printing surface, which can be either a
limestone block or a metal plate, is grained to prepare a
fine surface. The artist then uses a greasy drawing material
to make an image directly on this surface which is then
treated chemically so that only the image will accept the
printing ink. During printing the stone or plate is first
sponged with water and then oily ink is rolled across the
surface. The water, acting as a resist, prevents the ink from
sticking to the bare areas of stone. Once inked the paper is
laid on top of the inked stone and passed through the press
under pressure.