Transfer of computer images to lithographic plates employing petroleum

Abstract

A method permitting a fine artist to transfer a computer generated image to a lithographic plate is provided. Any computer image may be utilized including photographs or drawings which have been electronically scanned into the computer. The computer image transfer method includes the use of a petroleum distillate as a solvent. The solvent acts as a transfer agent to transfer the toner from a laser printed image to the lithographic plate. A computer image is generated and printed on a sheet (separation) through the use of a laser printer. Four separations are laser printed in accordance with the CMYK protocols. A RBG separation may alternatively be employed. Each separation has the following steps performed thereon. The separation is placed face down on the lithographic limestone or the like. A porous sheet, with sufficient quantities of solvent entrained therein, is placed on the plate. A piece of metal foil is then placed on the porous sheet. The tympan is then placed. This is then taken through the press several times. The solvent induces the toner to leave the separation and under the pressure of the pressing transfers it to the lithographic limestone. This provides a printing surface which has improved qualities over hand printing, as well as the benefits of an exact pixel to pixel correspondence between the image on the lithographic limestone and the computer generated digital image.