Understanding Offset Lithograph Stamp Printing: A Detailed Guide

In this presentation Arnie Janson elegantly explains how offset lithograph stamp printing works. Arnie walks viewers through the process using simple and easy-to-understand diagrams, starting with basic lithography and moving on to offset lithography. He defines how the hydrophilic and oleophilic areas are used to transfer the ink and how the dampening and ink rollers function, the roles of the plate and transfer cylinders, and the impression roll. The presentation concludes with real examples of offset lithograph errors, providing valuable insights into what to look for in stamp varieties. This video is an essential guide for anyone interested understanding the technical aspects of stamp printing and collecting.

[@adamhuffman3354]

Great video about printing and perfect timing as the USPS just released a neat set with the multiple printing press sheets. The underground rail road PORTFOLIO 💼! And it’s cheap! Thanks guys!

[@iscny]

What a great tie-in to this presentation @adamhuffman3354! The new USPS underground railroad set was produced by offset lithography and is a great set to collect from a design, manufacturing and historical perspective. Thanks for the heads up! May you continue to explore, discover and enjoy!

[@GreatStampAdventure]

Thanks again for a great video that explains the printing process very well. May I please ask a stupid question? Is "Offset Lithograph" the same as just "Lithograph" - the first being a more accurate term? Or does one also get another Lithograph stamp printing than "Offset"?

[@arniejanson2216]

Hi. Thanks for the compliments, glad you enjoyed it. There is a big difference between ordinary lithography and offset lithography. In ordinary lithography, the ink and water are applied to the printing plate and then the paper is pressed onto the plate. Very simple, & straightforward. In offset lithography, the ink and water are applied to the printing plate and, after excess ink is removed by a wiper, the ink only is transferred to an oleophilic (likes oil-based inks and not water) intermediate roller (typically called the transfer roller or offset roller) and this intermediate roller applies the ink to the paper. Explanation is the video starts at 1:43. Lots of advantages with offset lithography so all modern stamps would be printed by offset lithography. The most obvious is that with ordinary lithography, the image on the printing plate has be a reverse image (I.e. backwards) while in offset lithography, the image on the printing plate is the same as the final stamp image. That is because it is reversed when the image is applied to the transfer roller - and reversed again (back to the original) when the transfer roller apples the ink to the paper. Another advantage is that quicker drying inks can be used and the printing plate life is longer because it only contacts the rubber offset roller and not the paper. If you have more questions, please do not hesitate to ask. Arnie Janson

[@GreatStampAdventure]

@@arniejanson2216 Hi Arnie, thanks tremendously for the explanation about offset and ordinary lithography!!!!! I am learning so much! It is important to get on top of the different printing methods when working with stamps! Thanks again!