What printing method involves the use of a negative and light to expose the image?

The method that involves the use of a negative and light to expose the image is offset lithography. In offset lithography, the process begins with the creation of a printing plate that is coated with a light-sensitive emulsion. When the plate is exposed to light through a negative, areas that are exposed become hardened, allowing for ink application only in the unexposed regions. This creates a distinct separation of the image that can be transferred onto paper or other materials through a series of rollers.

Offset lithography is valued for its high quality and efficiency in producing large quantities of prints quickly. This technique contrasts with methods like screen printing, which relies on physical stencils; inkjet printing, which uses ink droplets ejected from nozzles; and digital printing, which typically does not use the negative exposure technique that is characteristic of offset lithography.