A lithograph is a type of print made by drawing an image directly onto an aluminum plate with oil-based ink, and transferring it onto a piece of paper using a press. Printing a lithograph on canvas is a little more difficult. First, the image is printed onto a piece of paper, using the traditional lithography technique. The ink is then separated from the paper and pressed onto a canvas using an acrylic glaze.
Lithographs on Paper
The process of lithography is based on a very simple fact: oil and water don't mix. After drawing on the plate using an oil-based crayon, the next step is to apply water to the surrounding plate. This prevents the ink (oil-based) from smudging onto any other part of the plate when printing. Once the image is ready, the plate is placed in a press, which transfers the ink onto the paper. Multicolor prints require a different plate for each color.
Make a Canvas Lithograph
First, print the image onto a piece of paper using traditional lithography technique. Then apply an acrylic glaze to the inked side of the paper and soak it in water, until all of the paper separates from the ink. Don't worry about your drawing: oil-based ink doesn't dissolve in water. After you've done this, only the acrylic film and the ink should remain. Now press this film onto the canvas, roll it up, and wait for it to dry. The ink will stick to the canvas, making an exact copy of your original image. A canvas lithograph can be stretched on a frame just like a painting without being damaged, and is much less susceptible to wear and tear.
Benefits and Drawbacks
Unlike many printing techniques, lithography doesn't require any etching or carving on the part of the artist. instead, the artist simply draws on the plate using an oil based crayon or pencil, and presses this ink directly onto the paper. The downside of this process is that to be the plates will be less durable, so you can only make a limited number of prints from each plate. However, modern printing techniques have adapted lithography to commercial uses, with the invention of the offset printing press.
History
Lithography was invented by Alois Senefelder in Bohemia in 1796. At this time, a smooth piece of limestone was used as a plate. Hence the word "lithography" comes from the Greek word "lithos" (λιθος), which means stone. Lithography was used regularly in the 19th century for printing texts in Arabic, Turkish and similar scripts, as the relationship between characters in these languages made movable type a less suitable medium. In the 20th century it also became a popular medium for artists such as Degas, Manet and Delacroix.
Useful Tips
When printing a lithograph, quality paper can go a long way. You should ideally use something with a high cotton content, since this softer paper will absorb the ink better and prevent smudging. It will also dissolve better when you attempt to transfer the image onto a canvas. When printing, make sure you use the appropriate lithograph press. Using a letter press (with rollers) will apply too much pressure and will add ink to your plate as you print, which will destroy the image.
