How to Create a Lithograph

A lithograph is produced through a surface printing process based upon oil and water’s natural repulsion to each other. Through the combination of greasy lithography crayons and water, ink is transferred and printed. MC Escher used lithography as the basis of his artwork while other artists, such as Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso, authorized it as a means of reproducing their original artwork. You can also use lithography to either produce your own original art, or to authentically create limited reproductions your paintings, drawings or other illustrations.

Things You'll Need

• Lithography crayons
• Limestone or aluminum plate
• Rosin
• Talc
• Etch
• Lithography solvent
• Lithography ink
• Sponge
• Rollers
• Lithography press
• Paper

Instructions

1. Using lithography crayons (with a high oil or grease content), create an image in reverse on a limestone or aluminum plate. Depending on how many colors you want to use, you will have to reproduce the image on different, separate stones.

2. Lightly sprinkle rosin and then talc on top of the surface of the drawing to protect it.

3. Apply the etch (composed of gum arabic and nitric acid) to the stone and leave it on for at least an hour. This gives it time to combine with the grease from the crayons, and the calcium carbonate from the stone.

4. Using a solvent, remove the drawing. The ink should now be adhering to the image area. Using the sponge, keep the stone wet with water so that the ink doesn’t run into other areas.

5. Insert damp paper into the lithography press and start printing a trial proof. A reverse print should be printed onto the paper.

6. Carefully mark the edges of the paper and line it up properly with the stone. In order to produce a lithograph of different colors, the same paper has to be run through the press with the separate stones that was made for each color.

7. Sign the finished trial proof and print a limited number of the image.

Tips & Warnings

• Once your lithograph is completed, breaking the stone or plate will ensure that it cannot be reproduced or forged.

• Art departments at your local college or university are a great resource for finding lithography equipment.

• The fewer lithographic reproductions made, the greater the value can be for your artwork.