Offset lithography is an extensively used printing method involving the transfer of an inked image to a rubber blanket, then to the printing surface. When combined with the lithographic process, oil or water is prevented from transferring to the printing surface along with the ink.
Offset printing is advantageous because of its consistent image sharpness and quality, usability on a wider range of printing surfaces (e.g. wood, cloth, metal, leather, rough paper), efficient production of printing plates, and plate durability and longevity since there is no direct contact between the plate and printing surface.