This flat-plate printing method uses simple chemical processes to create an image. On a metal plate, the positive part of an image is made from a hydrophobic (water hating) substance, while the negative image is hydrophilic (water loving). When the plate is introduced to a compatible printing ink and water mixture, the ink will adhere to the positive image and the water will clean the negative image. This flat-plate method enables much longer and more detailed print runs than the older physical methods of printing (e.g. Letterpress).
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