Planographic Printing

Planographic printing is printing from a flat surface, unlike relief printing that uses raised surfaces, or intaglio printing’s incised surfaces.

Planographic printing is a way of printing from a flat surface – not raised or incised like other methods. Lithography and offset lithography are examples of planographic printing, which work because water and oil don't mix.

In lithography, an image is made by applying a greasy substance called ‘tusche’ to a plate or stone. This term comes from ‘litho’, meaning stone, and ‘graph’, meaning to draw. Some parts of the surface accept ink, while others don't, which forms the image. Lithography is used widely in art and industry for its precision and ability to create detailed prints.