“Conrad’s G-10 tympan is my go to. It is durable and has held up in my studio for many years.”
-Peter Garcia,
Artist/ Printmaker
Take a closer look.
The Conrad litho tympan is designed to make lithographic printing smooth, consistent, and easy to control. It plays a critical role in how pressure is applied and how the image transfers—so having a high-quality tympan makes a noticeable difference in your results.
We offer a variety of sizes to match different presses and workflows, making it easy to find the right fit for your setup. Each tympan is made from durable polycarbonate or phenolic linen to hold their shape and perform reliably under pressure.
The smooth surface allows it to glide easily under the scraper bar, helping maintain even pressure across the image area. This leads to cleaner transfers, better detail, and more consistent prints.
Simple to use and made to last, Conrad tympan is an essential part of any lithography setup—helping you work more efficiently and get better results every time you print.
Conrad Tympan for Hand Lithography
A Must Have.
Conrad offers two high-quality tympan materials for lithography: Polycarbonate (Lexan) and Phenolic Linen (G-10). Both are designed to deliver smooth, consistent performance, but each has its own feel and advantages depending on how you like to print.
Polycarbonate (often known as Lexan) is a clear, durable plastic known for its strength and flexibility.
Advantages:
- Smooth glide: Moves easily under the scraper bar for consistent pressure
- Slight flexibility: Helps absorb minor variations and keeps printing smooth
- Easy to handle: Lightweight and simple to position on the press
- Versatile: Great for general lithography work and a wide range of applications
Polycarbonate is a great all-around option if you want something easy to use, forgiving, and consistent.
G-10 is a high-strength composite material made from layers of fiberglass cloth bonded with resin under heat and pressure.
Advantages:
- Very rigid: Provides a firm, direct feel under pressure
- Extremely durable: Holds up to heavy use and long print runs
- Stable surface: Maintains consistent thickness and performance over time
- Precise transfer: Ideal for printmakers who want a more controlled, direct pressure feel
G-10 is perfect if you prefer a stiffer, more precise tympan that can handle demanding work and repeated use.
Both options are built for reliability and professional results—it just comes down to whether you prefer the smooth flexibility of polycarbonate or the firm precision of G-10.
Lithographic Tympan Uses
So Natural.
Tympan is a key part of the lithography process, helping control how pressure is applied and how the image transfers from the stone or plate to the paper. While it may seem simple, it plays several important roles in achieving clean, consistent prints.
#1 Even Pressure Distribution
One of the main uses of a tympan is to help spread pressure evenly under the scraper bar. This ensures that the entire image area receives consistent force, which is critical for accurate ink transfer.
#2 Smooth Image Transfer
The tympan creates a controlled surface between the scraper bar and the paper, allowing the paper to move smoothly through the press. This helps prevent drag or uneven movement, resulting in cleaner, more precise prints.
#3 Protection for Paper and Plate
It also acts as a protective layer, helping to reduce direct contact and wear between the scraper bar and your printing materials. This helps extend the life of both your press components and your paper.
#4 Control and Consistency
Using a proper tympan makes the printing process more predictable. Once your setup is dialed in, it helps maintain consistent results from print to print, which is especially important for edition work.
#5 Adaptability for Different Setups
Different materials and thicknesses of tympan can be used to fine-tune how the press performs. This allows printmakers to adjust pressure feel and response depending on the type of lithography they’re doing.
In short, the tympan helps bring everything together—smoothing movement, controlling pressure, and improving overall print quality.
Conrad Tympan Sizes
As Big As You Need.
Conrad Press offers printmaking tympan in several different types and sizes.
Conrad Press Litho Tympan Size Chart
We offer a several lithographic tympan sizes. No matter what size you want to print, Conrad Press has the best tympan for your litho studio.
| Tympan Material | Thickness | Tympan Sizes |
| Polycarbonate Lexan | .062″ | 18″x24″, 24″x36″, 32″x48″, 36″x48″ |
| Phenolic Linen G-10 | .062″ | 24″x36″, 36″x48″ |
Get Conrad Tympan for Your Studio
There’s never been
a better time to print.
If you want cleaner image transfer and more reliable results, the Conrad litho tympan is an essential part of your setup. Built from high-quality materials and available in a range of sizes, it helps you achieve smooth, even pressure every time you print.
Choose the material and size that fits your workflow and upgrade your lithography process today. Shop the Conrad Store to order your Conrad tympan and start printing with precision.
Shop Conrad Lithography Tympan NowWhat Is a Lithographic Tympan?
A lithographic tympan is a protective and functional sheet used in a lithography press, placed between the scraper bar and the printing paper during the printing process. Its primary role is to distribute pressure evenly, protect the paper and printing surface, and help ensure a clean, accurate transfer of the image from a lithographic stone or plate.
Although it may appear to be a simple layer, the tympan is a critical component in traditional lithography. It works in tandem with the scraper bar to maintain consistent pressure across the entire surface, which is essential for producing high-quality prints with precise detail and smooth tonal variation.
The Purpose of a Lithographic Tympan
The lithographic tympan serves several important purposes in the printing process:
- Even Pressure Distribution: Ensures the scraper bar applies consistent force across the paper
- Surface Protection: Shields both the paper and the lithographic stone from direct contact with the scraper bar
- Print Clarity: Helps maintain sharp, clean image transfer
- Stability: Keeps the paper in place during printing
Without a tympan, the pressure from the scraper bar could be uneven or too harsh, leading to smudging, tearing, or incomplete prints. The tympan acts as a controlled buffer that improves both precision and consistency.
Materials Used in Lithographic Tympans
The most common and most durable materials that Litho Tympan is made from are polycarbonate and phenolic linen. Some lesser quality materials like mylar and acetate are also used for printmakers with lower budgets or special printing processes.
How a Lithographic Tympan Is Used
Using a lithographic tympan is a straightforward but essential part of the printing process:
1. Preparing the Stone or Plate
The lithographic surface is inked, with ink adhering only to the image areas.
2. Positioning the Paper
A sheet of paper is carefully placed over the stone or plate.
3. Placing the Tympan
The tympan is laid on top of the paper, covering the entire print area.
4. Running the Press
The scraper bar moves across the tympan, applying even pressure as the press bed passes underneath.
5. Revealing the Print
After printing, the tympan is lifted, followed by the paper, revealing the finished lithograph.
This process is repeated for each print in an edition.
Printing Styles and Techniques That Use Tympans
Lithographic tympans are used in all traditional lithography techniques, including:
Crayon Lithography
The tympan helps maintain consistent pressure for textured, grainy marks.
Tusche Wash
Ensures smooth pressure for delicate tonal transitions.
Pen and Ink Lithography
Supports precise transfer of fine lines.
Multi-Color Lithography
Helps maintain alignment and consistency across multiple layers.
Because lithography relies on flat surfaces and even pressure, the tympan is essential for all these methods.
The History of the Lithographic Tympan
Tympan has been part of lithography since its early development in the late 18th century by Alois Senefelder. Early presses required a way to protect both the paper and the stone while ensuring even pressure from the scraper bar.
Over time, the materials used for tympans evolved from simple paper sheets to more durable and flexible materials like Mylar and acetate. Despite these changes, the fundamental purpose of the tympan has remained the same.
Advantages of Using a Lithographic Tympan
The lithographic tympan has several main benefits in the lithography printmaking process:
- Improved Print Quality: Ensures even ink transfer
- Protection: Prevents damage to paper and stone
- Consistency: Maintains uniform results across prints
- Versatility: Works with a variety of lithographic techniques
Care and Maintenance of a Lithographic Tympan
Like most printmaking studio supplies, it’s important to keep your lithographic tympan in good condition in order to make sure it works properly. Here are a few helpful care tips for your litho studio:
- Clean After Use: Remove ink and debris with a soft cloth
- Store Flat: Prevent creases or warping
- Inspect Regularly: Replace damaged or worn sheets
- Avoid Sharp Objects: Protect from scratches
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lithographic tympan used for?
Tympan is used to distribute pressure evenly and protect the paper and stone during printing.
What materials are tympans made from?
The most common materials used to make litho tympan are polycarbonate and phenolic resin.
Can you print without a tympan?
It is possible to print lithography without tympan, but not recommended, as it can lead to uneven pressure and damage.
How often should a tympan be replaced?
It depends on usage, but tympan should be replaced when it becomes worn or damaged.
Is the tympan used in other printmaking techniques?
No, tympan is primarily used in lithography and is not common in other printmaking methods.
