The technique of lithographic printing was developed in the time between 1796 and 1799 by Aloys Senefelder (1771 – 1834).

The result of Senefelder’s research comprised formidable possibilities for both the artistic and economical world of the 19th century.

Allowing for multiple prints from one stone template, the best material for lithography is Plattenkalk limestone from the Bavarian Altmühltal, as it can absorb both lipophilic and hydrophilic liquids.

With the help of lithography, all kinds of playing cards, letter heads, caricatures and advertisements were printed.

In music printing, it superseded the usual method of etching.
Today, lithography is applied exclusively as an artistic device and for inventive business cards, letter heads and so forth.

Liquid Lithographic Ink and Solid Lithographic Ink (29400)

are highly resistant against acids and can be used to draw on stone-, aluminium- and zinc-plates.

Using a highly dispersed pigment that is ideal for the work with the quill, the ink is compounded of the well established ingredients shellac, wax and soap.

While the liquid ink is suited for covering areas completely, the solid ink is excellent for halftones and transitions.

Apart from the quill, other eligible drawing utensils are drawing- and reed-pens.

Lithography Chalk

Based on formulas that originate from Aloys Senefelder and the early times of Rohrer & Klingner, the lithographic chalks are composed of wax, tallow and Syrian asphalt and feature a high resistance against acids.

To maintain the quality of the stone it is applied on, our chalk does not seal the pores of the surface.

The chalk is available in six degrees of hardness (2942-0 till 2942-5), with No. 0 being the softest, No. 5 the hardest, and No. 3 the most commonly applied chalk.

Drawing with hard chalks results in fine lines, especially when a smooth stone is used.

Respectively, soft chalks on rough stone produces dark, distinct lines.

Products for Autography

The term “autography” originates from Greek and means “writing itself”. This method, discovered at the turn of the century by Aloys Senefelder during the invention of lithography, made writings, drawings and music sheets printable.

Authographic Ink (29410)

This special ink is applied first on transference paper, which is thereupon used to print the image on the stone that then reprints it.
Suitable transference papers are strongly sized paper, which can also be produced from ordinary papers.