What is the difference between a lithograph and a screen print?

How lithography works

Lithography relies on the principle that grease and water do not mix. An artist draws an image directly onto a flat, porous limestone or a specially treated metal plate using a greasy medium like a lithographic crayon or tusche. The surface is then chemically treated with a mixture of gum arabic and a mild acid, which fixes the greasy image and makes the non-image areas receptive to water.

During the printing process, the stone is kept damp. When an oil-based ink is rolled over the surface, it adheres only to the greasy image and is repelled by the wet, non-image areas. The stone is then placed in a lithographic press, where high pressure transfers the ink onto paper. This technique allows for subtle gradations and delicate textures that mimic the appearance of charcoal or pencil drawings.

1. Prepare the stone by grinding the surface with carborundum to ensure it is perfectly flat.
2. Draw the design using greasy litho crayons or liquid tusche.
3. Apply the chemical etch to stabilize the drawing.
4. Dampen the stone with a sponge before inking.
5. Run the stone through a scraper press to transfer the image.

How screen printing works

Screen printing, often called serigraphy, functions as a sophisticated stencil method. A fine mesh—traditionally silk, but now usually synthetic polyester—is stretched tightly over a wooden or metal frame. To create the image, parts of the mesh are blocked out using a stencil, which can be made from paper, glue, or a light-sensitive photographic emulsion that hardens when exposed to UV light.

The screen is placed over the printing surface, and ink is poured along one edge. A squeegee is then pulled across the screen with firm, even pressure, forcing the ink through the open mesh areas and onto the paper or fabric below. Because the ink is pushed through the screen, screen prints often have a distinct, raised texture and vibrant, opaque colors that are difficult to achieve with other methods.

• Use a high-mesh count for fine detail and intricate lines.
• Use a low-mesh count for heavy deposits of ink or printing on coarse surfaces.
• Ensure the screen is perfectly parallel to the printing surface to avoid blurred edges.

Key differences in visual style

The most immediate difference between these two mediums is the quality of the mark. Lithography is celebrated for its soft, fluid, and painterly qualities. Because the artist works directly on the stone, the process captures the nuance of every stroke, making it the preferred choice for artists who want to achieve photographic realism or delicate tonal transitions. It is a process of layering, where each color usually requires a separate stone or plate.

Conversely, screen printing is defined by its graphic, bold aesthetic. It excels at producing flat, saturated blocks of color with sharp, crisp edges. While it is possible to create gradients, the process is inherently suited to hard-edged compositions and pop-art styles. Because the ink sits on top of the substrate rather than being absorbed into the fibers as deeply as in lithography, screen prints often appear more vivid and physically tactile.

Common mistakes when printing

One frequent error in lithography is failing to maintain the correct moisture balance on the stone. If the stone is too dry, the ink will adhere to the non-image areas, resulting in dark, messy smudges known as "scumming." If the stone is too wet, the ink may not transfer properly, leading to faint or broken lines. Proper chemical etching is essential to ensure the image remains stable throughout a long print run.

In screen printing, the most common mistake involves poor stencil adhesion or "bleeding." If the screen is not held firmly against the paper, or if the squeegee pressure is inconsistent, ink will leak under the stencil, ruining the sharp edges. Additionally, failing to clean the screen immediately after printing can cause the ink to dry in the mesh, effectively ruining the stencil for future use and causing uneven ink distribution in subsequent prints.

Which process to choose

Choosing between these two depends entirely on the desired artistic outcome and the complexity of the image. If you are interested in fine art, portraiture, or works that require subtle shading and a traditional, hand-drawn feel, lithography is the superior choice. However, it is a labor-intensive and expensive process that requires heavy machinery and specialized chemical knowledge. It is rarely a hobbyist pursuit due to the weight of the stones and the need for a dedicated studio.

Screen printing is significantly more accessible and versatile for beginners. It is ideal for posters, textiles, and graphic art where bold color is the priority. The equipment is relatively inexpensive, portable, and can be set up in a home studio with minimal space. If you are looking to replicate bold designs, experiment with layering colors, or print on unconventional surfaces like wood or fabric, screen printing offers a more practical and immediate creative experience.