Lithographic Print

Lithography, lithographic printing, or litho is a printing method that is used for high quality, photorealistic print. It’s often seen in retail settings.

What is Litho?

Litho is a complex offset print method. The first step in the process is making the print plates. These are made out of metal or similar hard substance. The plate is coated in a photosensitive mixture, before being exposed to a negative of the image/design. This makes certain portions receptive to ink. The plate is then mounted to a printing press and covered in ink. The ink sticks to the hydrophobic portions of the plate. The inked plate then contacts a rubber blanket. This transfer converts the image from a negative to a positive. The rubber blanket is what is used to print on the final substrate.