From the different types of antique printing methods available, here’s how you can recognize them on the basis of their printing process.
Lithographs
The lithography printing process was invented in Germany in 1796 by Johann Alois Senefelder, this process is still in use. In Lithography images are not attached or engraved on the plates, this process is based on the immiscibility of oil and water. A drawing is made on the limestone plate with oil after then a solution of gum arabic and water is applied to the plate, this soaks the stone, not the drawing. The printer will use the turpentine to remove the oily crayon, now these areas will cover up the ink whereas the gum arabic/water will not. Now the equal pressure is applied to the stone and paper and the ink is transferred to the paper.
Etchings
Etching has been used in Europe since medieval times but and the book images started to become popular at the end of the 15th century. A metal plate is used (copper, zinc, or steel), the plate is covered with a waxy background which is made up of asphaltum (rosin and beeswax), which is resistant to acid. The artist then scratches off the ground to create the designs. The plates are dipped into the acid baths and the sunken lines are left on the plates. The inks are then applied to the sunken lines. The plates are then pressed onto the material to create a print.
Engravings
From 1600s the material used for creating the engraving plates was usually copper, but from the early 19th century when steel was invented it proved to be economical and long-lasting. The engraver worked with a tool called Graver. By using this tool the lines are made by applying pressure. Now the plate would be made up of many lines with the different spacing. Inks were then applied to the plate, it was wiped so the ink remained on the engraved lines. The engraved, inked plates were then pressed onto the material to produce the designs.
Chromolithographs
Chromolithography is a method for making multi-color prints. This color printing is stemmed from the process of lithography and it includes all types of lithography. Lithographers find a way to print on flat surfaces with the use of chemicals instead of relief intaglio printing.
Woodblock
Woodblock printing dates back to the 7th century, widely used in East Asia and originated in China. In this method an artist carves a design on the block with the gauges, the non-design parts are removed. Now the inks are to be applied on the block and the block is pressed onto the garment so that the designs passed on to the garment.
