“My studio has a small set of scraper bars from Conrad. They all work really well. “
-Gloria Earley,
Artist/ Printmaker
Take a closer look.
Conrad Press offers high-quality litho scraper bars designed to provide smooth, even pressure across the printing surface. This helps artists achieve clean ink transfer and consistent results with both stone litho and plate lithography.
Conrad Litho Scraper Bar Design
So Smooth.
Conrad Press lithographic scraper bars are available in a wide range of sizes for small litho stones to large lithography plates. You can get an individual scraper bar to match a specific stone, plate, or image size, or choose a complete scraper bar set for greater flexibility across different projects.
Built for dependable studio performance, our scraper bars are an excellent choice for individual artists, schools, universities, workshops, and professional print shops. Explore the Conrad Press selection and find the best lithographic scraper bars for your press and printing process.
Precise Polyethlyene Bar Base
Each Conrad Press lithographic scraper bar is crafted from a precisely formed polyethylene base that provides a straight, stable surface for dependable printing.
This material offers the strength needed for repeated use while moving smoothly across the tympan during the printing process.
Custom Mounted Strapping
A custom-mounted strapping system is securely fitted to the bar to create firm, even contact across the image area.
This careful construction helps the scraper bar apply consistent pressure from one side to the other, supporting clean ink transfer and reliable results with both lithographic stones and plates.
The strapping is designed for dependable performance, but it can also be replaced over time as normal wear occurs. This helps extend the life of the scraper bar and keeps it performing properly through years of studio use.
Instead of needing to replace the entire bar when the contact surface becomes worn, artists can refresh the strapping and continue using the same precise polyethylene bar base. This makes the scraper bar a practical, long-lasting choice for schools, universities, workshops, and professional print shops where equipment is used regularly.
Lithographic Scraper Bar Replacement Strapping
Restore the Old.
Conrad Press also offers replacement strapping for lithographic scraper bars, making it easy to maintain your equipment as the contact surface wears over time. Regular replacement helps keep the scraper bar moving smoothly and applying steady, even pressure during printing.
Replacement strapping is available in different lengths to fit a variety of scraper bar sizes. Whether you are maintaining one bar for a small lithography press or outfitting a full set for a larger studio, Conrad Press makes it simple to choose the right length for your equipment.
This allows artists, schools, universities, and print shops to extend the life of their scraper bars without replacing the entire tool. With the proper replacement strapping, your scraper bar can continue delivering clean, consistent results through repeated studio use.
Conrad Lithography Scraper Bar Sizes
As Big As You Need.
Bars by the Inch
Conrad Press lithographic scraper bars are available individually in one-inch size increments, making it easy to choose a bar that closely matches your stone, plate, image area, or press.
This wide range of sizes gives artists greater control over pressure placement while helping avoid the limitations of using a scraper bar that is too wide or too narrow for the job.
Full Scraper Bar Sets
For studios that work with many different image sizes, Conrad Press also offers complete scraper bar sets. A full set provides the flexibility to move between small prints, medium-format projects, and larger lithographic work without needing to order a new bar for every setup.
Whether you need one specific replacement size or a complete collection for a school, university, workshop, or professional print shop, we make it easy to equip your lithography press with the right scraper bars for every project.
Get Conrad Litho Scraper Bars for Your Studio
There’s never been
a better time to print.
Improve pressure control and achieve cleaner, more consistent results with a Conrad Press Lithographic Scraper Bar. Built for dependable performance during stone and plate lithography printing, it helps distribute pressure evenly across the printing surface for smooth, accurate ink transfer.
Shop Conrad Press lithographic scraper bars today and choose the right size and material for your press, studio, and printing process.
Shop Conrad Lithographic Scraper Bars NowWhat Is a Lithographic Scraper Bar?
A lithographic scraper bar is a key component of a lithography press used to apply even, controlled pressure across a lithographic stone or plate during printing. Unlike etching presses, which use rollers to push paper into recessed lines, lithography relies on a flat surface. The scraper bar replaces rollers by sliding across the surface and pressing the paper against the inked image.
This pressure ensures that the ink transfers cleanly from the stone or plate to the paper, producing a consistent and high-quality print. Without the scraper bar, the stone lithographic process would not function properly, as uneven pressure would result in incomplete or distorted images.
The Purpose of a Lithographic Scraper Bar
The primary purpose of a scraper bar is to transfer the image from a flat surface to paper with precision and consistency. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality of lithographic prints.
Key functions include:
- Even Pressure Distribution: Ensures the entire image transfers uniformly
- Ink Transfer Control: Helps achieve clean, sharp prints
- Surface Contact: Presses paper firmly against the stone or plate
- Print Consistency: Allows for reliable reproduction across multiple prints
The scraper bar is essential for achieving the smooth tonal gradients and fine details that stone lithography is known for.
How a Lithographic Scraper Bar Works
The scraper bar operates as part of the lithography press pressure mechanism.
1. Preparing the Stone or Plate
The lithographic surface is inked, with ink adhering only to the image areas.
2. Positioning the Paper
Paper is placed over the stone, often with a protective sheet called a tympan.
3. Setting the Scraper Bar
The scraper bar is lowered onto the tympan, applying pressure.
4. Moving the Bed
The press bed is moved under the scraper bar using a hand wheel or motor.
5. Applying Pressure
As the bed passes beneath, the scraper bar presses the paper evenly against the surface.
6. Revealing the Print
The paper is lifted to reveal the transferred image.
This process can be repeated for each print in an edition.
Materials Used in Scraper Bars
Scraper bars have historically been made out of two main materials: wood and polycarbonate.
Leather Covering
Many scraper bars are wrapped in leather to provide a smooth, slightly cushioned surface that protects the paper and stone.
Synthetic Materials
Some modern presses use plastic or composite coverings for consistency and reduced maintenance.
The combination of materials ensures both durability and effective pressure application.
Printing Styles and Techniques That Use Scraper Bars
Scraper bars are used in all forms of traditional lithography, including:
Crayon Lithography
The scraper bar ensures the textured crayon marks transfer evenly.
Tusche Wash
Smooth pressure helps preserve delicate tonal washes.
Pen and Ink Lithography
Fine lines require consistent pressure for clarity.
Multi-Color Lithography
Each layer must be printed with precise alignment and pressure.
The History of the Lithographic Scraper Bar
The scraper bar has been part of lithography since the technique was invented by Alois Senefelder in the late 18th century. Early lithographic presses were adapted from existing printing technologies but required a new method of applying pressure suitable for flat surfaces.
The scraper bar was developed as a solution, allowing printers to apply consistent pressure across the stone without damaging it. Over time, the design evolved, incorporating improved materials and more precise adjustment mechanisms.
Despite technological advancements, the basic function of the scraper bar has remained unchanged, highlighting its effectiveness and importance.
Care and Maintenance of a Scraper Bar
It’s important to maintain your lithographic scraper bars to make sure they continue to perform well over time. Here are a few simple tips to care for your litho scraper bars:
- Clean Regularly: Remove ink and debris
- Inspect Covering: Replace worn leather or synthetic layers
- Adjust Carefully: Ensure even pressure across the bar
- Store Properly: Protect from damage when not in use
Good maintenance ensures consistent performance and extends the life of the press.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a lithographic scraper bar do?
Scraper bars apply even pressure across the paper and stone to transfer the image during printing.
What is a scraper bar made of?
Typically litho scraper bars are made from either wood or polycarbonate and wrapped with a leather or synthetic band.
Can lithography be done without a scraper bar?
Yes, plate lithography can be printed on a traditional etching press with a roller instead of a scraper bar. Stone litho, however, does require a scraper bar for applying the correct pressure.
How is pressure adjusted on a scraper bar?
Pressure is applied to the scraper bar by the press’s pressure mechanism. This controls how firmly the bar presses down.
Is the scraper bar used in other printmaking techniques?
No. Scraper bars are primarily used in lithography and is not common in other printmaking methods.
