Lithography

Lithography is a planographic printmaking process based on the natural repulsion between oil and water. An image is drawn or applied to a flat surface—traditionally limestone—using greasy materials. Through chemical processing, the image areas attract ink while the non-image areas repel it, allowing the image to be printed without carving or engraving the surface.

Because lithography preserves the qualities of drawing—line variation, texture, and tonal subtlety—it has long been valued by artists who want prints to closely reflect the look and feel of their original marks.

The word lithography comes from the Greek líthos (stone) and gráphein (to write), meaning “stone writing” or “writing on stone”. This reflects the process’s origins in drawing directly on limestone.

What is lithography?

In lithography, the printing surface remains flat. Instead of carving into the matrix (the surface being printed from) or building up raised areas, the artist works directly on the surface using oil-based materials such as lithographic crayons, pencils, or tusche.

After the image is drawn, the surface is chemically processed so that:

• The drawn (greasy) areas attract oil-based ink
• The non-image areas retain water and repel ink

When ink is rolled across the surface, it adheres only to the image areas. Paper is then pressed against the surface using a lithographic press to transfer the image.

Lithography belongs to planographic printmaking, meaning the printing surface does not rely on raised or recessed areas to carry ink.

How lithography works

The lithography process follows these stages:

1. The printing surface is prepared to ensure it will accept and hold the image. In traditional stone lithography, this preparation involves graining the stone to create an even, receptive surface. In plate-based lithography, preparation involves different surface treatments rather than graining.
2. An image is drawn onto the lithography stone or plate using greasy materials
3. The surface is chemically processed to fix the image and establish ink-repelling areas
4. The surface is dampened so non-image areas hold water
5. Ink is rolled across the surface, adhering only to the image areas
6. Paper is placed on top and run through a press to transfer the image

This process may be repeated multiple times to build layered images, with each color printed in a separate pass.

Materials used in lithography

Lithography is defined by both its chemical method and its specialized materials.

Common materials include:

• Lithography stones (limestone), aluminum plates, or polyester plates
• Greasy drawing materials, such as lithographic crayons, pencils, and tusche
• Oil-based lithography inks
• Water and chemical solutions used to prepare, process, and maintain the printing surface
• Paper
• A lithography press capable of even pressure

Key characteristics of lithographic prints

Lithographic prints are often recognized by:

• Drawing-like lines and mark variation
• Smooth tonal transitions and subtle textures
• A close relationship between the artist’s hand and the printed image
• The ability to reproduce gestural marks, washes, and layered tones

Unlike relief or intaglio processes, lithography does not impose physical resistance from carving or engraving, allowing for highly fluid image-making.

Types of lithography

Lithography includes several related processes that share the same core principle—printing from a flat surface using the repulsion of oil and water—but differ in materials, preparation, and use.

Common forms of lithography include:

• Stone lithography – The traditional form of lithography, using limestone as the printing surface.
• Aluminum plate lithography – Uses metal plates instead of stone, offering a lighter and more accessible alternative.
• Polyester plate lithography – Uses thin, flexible plastic plates instead of stone or metal, making it lightweight, affordable, and commonly used in classrooms and low-toxicity studios.
• Photolithography – A plate-based process in which images are transferred photographically rather than drawn by hand.
• Offset lithography – An industrial printing method derived from lithography, used for high-volume commercial printing.
• Mokulito – A hybrid process combining lithographic principles with wood-based matrices.

Each of these processes builds on the same fundamental lithographic principle while serving different artistic, educational, or industrial needs.

Explore individual lithography processes to learn how materials and methods shape different outcomes.

Lithography in printmaking history

Lithography was invented in 1796 by Alois Senefelder as a method for reproducing text and images more efficiently than existing processes.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, lithography became central to:

• Fine art printmaking
• Illustrated books and posters
• Commercial advertising and publishing

Color lithography, including chromolithography, expanded the process further, making richly colored images widely accessible. Lithography remains an important artistic and historical process.

Lithography vs other printmaking processes

Lithography differs fundamentally from other printmaking methods in how images are created and printed.

Lithography vs relief printmaking

Relief processes such as linocut and woodcut print from raised surfaces created by carving away material. Lithography prints from a flat surface, relying on chemical separation rather than physical depth.

This difference gives lithography a more drawing-based quality, while relief processes tend to emphasize shape and contrast.

Lithography vs intaglio

Intaglio processes print from recessed lines or textures cut into metal plates, with ink forced out of those incisions under pressure. Lithography prints from a flat surface, allowing for softer transitions and a closer resemblance to drawing or painting.

Lithography vs screen printing (serigraphy)

Screen printing uses a stencil to push ink through a mesh onto paper or fabric. Lithography relies on chemical interactions on a flat surface. While both can produce flat color and layered images, their tools and materials differ significantly.

Lithograph vs print

A lithograph is a type of print—but not all prints are lithographs.

“Print” is a broad term that includes many processes, such as relief, intaglio, screen printing, and lithography. A lithograph specifically refers to a print made using the lithographic process.

Lithography vs offset printing

Offset printing is an industrial process derived from lithography, designed for high-speed commercial reproduction. Artistic lithography is slower, hands-on, and focused on expressive image-making rather than mass production.

Frequently asked questions about lithography

Can lithography be combined with other processes?

Yes. Lithography is often combined with other printmaking processes. Artists may layer lithographic imagery with relief printing, screen printing, or other methods.

Is lithography difficult to learn?

Lithography has a learning curve because it involves chemical processes and careful surface preparation. However, many artists find it intuitive because lithography is fundamentally a drawing-based process, with marks made directly on the printing surface.

Do you need a stone to make a lithograph?

No. While traditional stone lithography is still practiced, many artists work with aluminum plates or polyester plates, which are lighter and more accessible.

Is lithography still used today?

Yes. Lithography remains widely used in fine art printmaking, education, and studio practice.