A Complete Guide to Lithography Tusche Drawing Techniques and Materials

An Introduction to Lithography Tusche

Lithography tusche (also known as litho ink or drawing ink) is an essential material for artists who practice lithography printmaking. This unique greasy ink creates textures and drawings on lithography stones or plates. When used correctly, litho tusche can produce beautiful one-of-a-kind prints.

What is Lithography Tusche?

Lithography tusche is a thick, oil-based ink that was traditionally used for lithographic printing on stones. Modern litho inks are specially formulated for printing on metal plates. The ink is hydrophobic, meaning it repels water. This allows the inked image to adhere to the stone or plate, while the blank areas attract water for cleaning.

High quality litho inks are made from a combination of pigments, dryers, resins, greases, and mineral oils. The exact ingredients and formulas vary between different brands. But in general, the greasy nature of the ink is what allows it to be used in the lithographic process.

The Role of Tusche in Lithography

Lithography is a printing process that relies on the immiscibility of oil and water. The artist draws on the stone or plate using the greasy litho ink. The stone is then moistened, and only the inked drawing repels the water. Next, an oil-based ink is rolled over the surface. It sticks to the drawing but not the wet blank areas.

Finally, paper is placed over the stone, and it is run through a lithography press. The pressure causes the inked image to transfer onto the paper. The main advantage of lithography over other printmaking techniques is the ability to produce subtle tonal ranges and textures.

Tusche is key to lithography because it has the right greasy quality to repel water. Traditional litho stones are porous limestone. The tusche is absorbed slightly into the pores, allowing it to produce fine lines and shading. Plates require specially formulated inks that cure to a hard film on the metal surface.

Characteristics of Lithography Tusche

There are a few key characteristics that set lithography tusche apart from other types of ink:

• Greasy/waxy texture
• Extremely thick consistency
• Long drying time
• Water repellent when cured
• Produces fine line work and textures

The greasy texture comes from the high oil content. It cannot be thinned with water. The thick, buttery consistency enables artists to draw smooth, solid areas or thin delicate lines. Litho tusche dries slowly by oxidation, taking up to a few days.

Types of Lithography Tusche

There are a few basic varieties of litho tusche available:

• Black litho ink - The most commongeneral purpose litho ink.
• Colored litho inks - Available in a wide range of colors.
• Drawing tusche - Extra smooth formulation for finer detail.
• Transfer tusche - Modified for paper lithography transfer techniques.

In addition to standard tusche, there are also specialty options like metallic silver, fluorescent, and phosphorescent litho inks. The specific type and brand of ink depends on the individual artist's preference and techniques.

How to Use Lithography Tusche

Using litho tusche is quite different from normal pens or brushes. It requires some practice to control the unique greasy ink. Here are some tips on using tusche:

Drawing Tools

Lithography tusche is too thick to be used with fountain pens or markers. Traditional lithography is done using tusche brushes, sharpened sticks, or litho crayons. For contemporary techniques, artists use items like sticks, squeegees, and toothbrushes to manipulate the ink.

Applying the Tusche

The ink’s putty-like consistency takes some getting used to. It needs to be applied with firm, deliberate strokes. Light wispy lines will not leave a strong impression. Start with basic forms using solid strokes. Once you get a feel for it, try sketching finer details.

Achieving Dark Lines

Due to the transparency of litho tusche, the lines will appear faint at first. Do not try to simply re-brush over them. Let the initial stroke dry completely, then apply another stroke directly over it. Build up the ink density gradually to avoid muddying the edges.

Mixing and Blending

The slow drying time allows you to blend or wipe away excess tusche easily. A slightly oily brush or cloth can soften edges and create shading. Be aware that overworking the ink can cause it to lose its water resistance.

Lettering and Fine Lines

When doing writing or intricate details, use the specialized extra smooth drawing tusches. They allow you to achieve very thin, crisp lines. Allow the ink to partially dry between strokes to maintain definition.

Cleaning Up

Use mineral spirits to clean litho ink off surfaces or tools while it is still wet. Once dried, it can be very difficult to remove. Rinse and wipe your hands frequently to prevent smearing or contamination.

Advanced Lithography Tusche Techniques

With practice, artists can use tusche to create sophisticated imagery with refined textures and tones. Here are some more advanced techniques:

Washes

Diluting the ink with a small amount of solvent allows you to produce grey tones and shading. Apply washes in layers, letting each dry completely before the next application.

Stippling

Using the tip of a brush or tool, apply small dots of ink. Work from dark to light, with denser dots creating darker tones.

Line Hatching

Drawing multiple sets of parallel or crosshatching lines builds up tones. Vary the line density and direction for different effects.

Splattering

Flicking ink from a brush loaded with tusche creates splatters and textures. Mask areas off to control where the ink lands.

Image Transfer

Drawings can be transferred from paper to the stone using solvent. The paper dissolves, leaving the ink image behind.

Collagraphs

Gluing textures materials like string, leaves, or fabric to a plate before inking can add dimensional interest.

Troubleshooting Common Litho Tusche Problems

Working with this unique medium comes with a learning curve. Here are some common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Ink drying in palette - Add a few drops of lithotine to keep it workable.
• Ink lacks tackiness - The batch may be too old, try fresher tusche.
• Image rubs off stone - Let it fully cure before processing. Use additive to improve adhesion.
• Scratchy drawing tools - Sand down and smooth the edges so they glide cleanly.
• Tusche smears - Allow ink to partially dry between layers. Use tighter line work.
• Poor ink transfer - Too little pressure. May need re-inking stone. Check press roller adjustment.

In summary

Mastering lithography tusche is challenging but rewarding. With its versatile textures and tones, this traditional medium still has great relevance for creating unique contemporary prints. Tusche’s distinctive greasy nature may take some adjusting to. But learning how to harness it will let you produce editions with exquisite hand-drawn detail.

FAQs

What is litho tusche made of?

Lithography tusche is an oil-based ink containing pigments, grease, resins, and dryers. The exact ingredients vary by brand but the greasy texture is essential.

Can you thin litho tusche with water?

No, litho tusche is hydrophobic so it cannot be diluted with water. Small amounts of solvents like lithotine can be used sparingly.

What tools can you use with lithography tusche?

Tusche brushes, sticks, squeegees, rags, toothbrushes, or any tool that can make marks. Avoid fountain pens, markers, and other wet drawing tools.

How long does litho tusche take to dry?

Litho tusche dries slowly by oxidation, often taking 1-3 days to fully cure. Drying time depends on ink thickness and studio conditions.

Can you print litho tusche drawings without a press?

Yes, hand printing methods like frottage rubbing can transfer a tusche image. But a printing press provides the best pressure for consistent professional results.