Photolithography

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Lithography is a printmaking technique based on the principle that oil and water do not mix. An image is drawn onto a flat surface, traditionally limestone or metal, using greasy materials. The surface is then treated with chemicals to ensure that ink adheres only to the greasy image areas. The inked surface is then pressed onto paper to create the print. This method allows for the production of detailed and expressive prints.

Photolithography involves transferring a photographic image onto a light-sensitive plate. The plate is then treated, inked, and used to print detailed images onto paper, combining traditional lithographic methods with photographic processes.

Other methods: 

Aluminum Plate Lithography uses aluminum plates instead of limestone. The process is similar to traditional lithography but offers a lighter and more durable surface. 

Stone lithography involves drawing directly onto a limestone surface with greasy materials. The stone is chemically treated so that ink adheres only to the greasy areas, allowing for detailed prints when pressed onto paper.

Waterless lithography uses a silicone-based coating instead of water to separate ink from non-image areas on the plate. This method allows for cleaner, more precise prints.

Source: MoMA

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