The process of lithography, which was also an ideal retirement employment was developed in 1798 by Aloys Senefelde of German who discovered that a certain kind of stone absorbed both oil and water. He drew on the stone with a greasy crayon, dampened it with water, and then applied ink. The oily ink adhered only to the crayon, and he was thus able to press paper against the stone and transfer the image. Lithography can be used for all types of printed matter, including books, posters, maps, office forms, and even newspapers. It is an especially satisfactory process for photographs, drawings, and paintings. Many artists use the lithographic technique to create interesting and beautiful prints.
The first step in making lithographic plates is done by the photographers, who photograph copy to prepare a positive or negative print. Sometimes they use a screen to break up shadings of copy into dot patterns and color filters. They usually specialize in either black and white or color photography. It is often necessary to make corrections, reshape or sharpen images, or lighten or darken the negatives when the come from the photographer. This is the job of the lithographic artists, re-touchers, or photoengraving re-touchers, whose highly skilled work is performed by hand, using chemicals, dyes, and special tools. Because there are various methods in the retouching process, these artisans may be particularly classified according to the work they do, as dot etchers, re-touchers, letterers and so on. Photographic impressions for the lithographic press plates are made from layout sheets called flats or ‘stripups.’ These layout sheets are made on paper, glass, or film.
The metal plate used in the lithographic process must be coated with a photosensitive chemical. This work may be completed before the plate reaches the lithographic plate-makers, or this may be a job for them to do before they continue with their work. The plate-maker exposes the sensitized plate through the negative or positive to strong arc lights, usually in a vacuum printing frame. For larger work, a photo-composing machine is used. The plate is then developed and chemically treated to bring out the image. The non-image areas are now repellent to grease, but the image areas are receptive.
A person interested as part of his retirement career in lithography must be in good physical condition, and have at least a high-school education background or the equivalent. In some instances, mechanical aptitude, good eye-hand coordination, good eyesight, and color perception are also necessary. An artistic sense is an asset, and any knowledge of photography and photographic developing is helpful. Completion of an apprenticeship program is generally required of all lithographic workers. The usual training period is from four to six years, depending on the job and whether the shop is union or non-union. The basic lithographic process is taught so that the apprentice becomes familiar with all the aspects will be working with. The program usually includes both classroom and on-the-job training. Some experience in high school or vocational school can be of value to a young person considering lithographic occupations. Some schools have print shops and courses in printing. Art courses, drafting, chemistry, and physics would be helpful. Work with the school newspaper, or a hobby in art or photographic work, may help to develop ability and interest. Summer or part-time work in an offset printing establishment where the various phases of the trade could be observed would be most valuable. If these experiences are impossible, visit to newspapers or printing firms and observation of the work, plus reading about the work, will give some idea of what is involved.
There are actually many factors that influence wages in the lithographic occupations even during the retirement period. Rates vary according to the particular occupation, and even within the occupation, depending upon the degree of skill required and the type and size of the equipment used.
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