Because he used a flat stone plate from which to print on paper, the process was called lithography. Combined, the term may be understood to mean writing from stone, or stone writing. Because of his extensive experiments, his perfection of the lithographic process, and his development of the necessary materials and methods of execution, Senefelder is regarded as the father of lithography. This is the oldest printing process. All image areas are raised in relief above the non-image areas.
Rollers apply an even coating of ink to the raised surface.
Paper is pressed against the printing surface with just enough pressure to pick up an even transfer of ink. Ink coverage and transfers are controlled by the natural principle that water and oil do not mix. Non-image areas accept water and repel ink. In this process, the plate first contacts rollers of water and then the inked rollers. The inked image is then transferred, or offset from the plate onto a rubber blanket, then onto paper from the blanket.