Return to Glossary Index Printing & Lab Terminology
Contact Printing
Core Term Definition
A classic physical replication method where source film and raw stock are held directly against each other.
Technical Analysis & Context
Contact printing is a highly efficient laboratory process. The source negative film and unexposed raw positive stock are drawn emulsion-to-emulsion over a printer aperture, where a light source exposes the positive. It is fast and sharp, but physical contact poses scratches risks if the gates are dirty.