Which printing method is based on the lithographic principle and uses greasy ink on a metal surface?

Which printing method is based on the lithographic principle and uses greasy ink on a metal surface?

• A. Serigraphy
• B. Pantograph
• C. Offset Printing
• D. Light Table

Answer: (C)

Offset printing is based on the lithographic principle, where greasy ink is attracted to the image areas on a flat metal plate while the non-image areas are kept wet to repel ink. This combination—oil/grease ink on a hydrophilic, water-receptive surface—lets the image be transferred from the plate to a rubber blanket cylinder and then onto paper, enabling high-volume, consistent prints. This process is the hallmark of lithographic printing, distinguishing it from methods like serigraphy (screen printing), pantograph (mechanical duplication), and a light table (viewing/tracing surface).

Offset printing is based on the lithographic principle, where greasy ink is attracted to the image areas on a flat metal plate while the non-image areas are kept wet to repel ink. This combination—oil/grease ink on a hydrophilic, water-receptive surface—lets the image be transferred from the plate to a rubber blanket cylinder and then onto paper, enabling high-volume, consistent prints. This process is the hallmark of lithographic printing, distinguishing it from methods like serigraphy (screen printing), pantograph (mechanical duplication), and a light table (viewing/tracing surface).