Lithographic ink, also known as litho ink, is a type of ink specifically designed for lithographic printing, a popular commercial printing method. Lithography is a printing process that utilizes the principle of oil and water repulsion to transfer ink from a printing plate onto a surface, typically paper.
Lithographic ink is typically made from a combination of pigments or colorants, binders, solvents, and additives. The pigments provide the color, while the binders act as a vehicle to hold the pigments together and adhere them to the printing plate. The solvents are used to keep the ink in a fluid state and aid in its transfer onto the paper. Additives may be added to modify various characteristics of the ink, such as drying time, viscosity, or printability.
The composition of lithographic ink is crucial for achieving high-quality prints. It must possess specific properties to ensure accurate color reproduction, good coverage, and excellent printability on the printing press. Additionally, lithographic ink should have the ability to spread evenly on the printing plate and be transferred smoothly onto the paper.
Lithographic printing is widely used in various industries, including commercial printing, packaging, and publishing, to produce high-quality printed materials such as brochures, magazines, labels, and more. Lithographic ink plays a vital role in this process by providing the necessary color and ensuring the ink adheres properly to the substrate for sharp and vibrant prints.