Planographic printing is a technique in which the image to be printed is flat and not raised, as it is in intaglio or relief printing. Planographic techniques include lithography, monotyping, and digital offset printing.
Lithography is a planographic technique that uses the repellent properties of water and oil to transfer an image to a printing surface. In lithography, an image is first drawn or painted onto a smooth stone or metal plate with a greasy medium. The plate is then dampened with water, which is repelled by the grease. When the plate comes into contact with an inked roller, the ink adheres only to the greasy image areas, which are then transferred to a sheet of paper.
Monotyping is another planographic technique that can be used to create unique prints. In monotyping, an image is drawn or painted onto a non-absorbent surface, such as a glass plate or a metal slab. The inked surface is then transferred to a sheet of paper, resulting in a mirror image of the original image. Because the original image is destroyed in the process, each monotype print is a one-of-a-kind work of art.
Digital offset printing is a planographic technique that uses computer-generated images to create prints. In digital offset printing, an image is first created electronically, using a computer software program. The image is then transferred to a plate, which is used to print the image onto a sheet of paper. Digital offset printing is a high-quality printing technique that can be used to produce large quantities of prints.