Which printing method uses the lithographic principle where a map is applied to kernelled metal sheets with greasy ink?

Which printing method uses the lithographic principle where a map is applied to kernelled metal sheets with greasy ink?

• A. Letterpress
• B. Offset Printing
• C. Lithography
• D. Serigraphy

Answer: (B)

Offset printing uses the lithographic principle: greasy ink sticks to the image areas on a metal plate while water keeps the non-image areas from accepting ink. The image is then transferred first to a rubber blanket and finally to paper, which is what makes this method distinct from direct lithography, letterpress, or serigraphy. This combination of oil-and-water compatibility on a metal surface with an intermediate blanket transfer is why offset printing is the correct choice.

Offset printing uses the lithographic principle: greasy ink sticks to the image areas on a metal plate while water keeps the non-image areas from accepting ink. The image is then transferred first to a rubber blanket and finally to paper, which is what makes this method distinct from direct lithography, letterpress, or serigraphy. This combination of oil-and-water compatibility on a metal surface with an intermediate blanket transfer is why offset printing is the correct choice.