Which description best fits lithography?

• A. It uses a raised surface to print
• B. It uses a screen to transfer ink
• C. It uses a greasy drawing on limestone or aluminum and ink sticks only to the greasy areas after chemical treatment
• D. It uses a carved metal plate

Answer: (C)

Lithography is a planographic printing method on a flat surface. An image is drawn with a greasy substance on limestone or metal. The surface is then chemically treated so that the greasy image areas attract ink, while the non-image areas stay wet and repel ink. When ink is applied, it sticks only to the greasy drawing, and the damp areas refuse it. A print is made by transferring that inked image to paper. This differs from printing that uses a raised surface (relief), a mesh screen (screen printing), or a carved metal plate (intaglio).