Quickstartguide talk:Litho

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/lithograph-explained

How to Make a Lithograph

A lithograph is a unique printing method that requires certain special materials. Follow these steps to make a lithograph via the traditional stone etching method.

1. Prepare the surface. The surface you draw on should be as level as possible. If you’re using real limestone, sand down the stone until your surface is smooth.
2. Make your drawing. Use a lithography crayon (or another appropriate oil-based drawing tool) to make your image on the surface.
3. Prepare the first etch. Once the image is complete, treat the surface with a specialized chemical etch (gum arabic and nitric acid), which will stick to the drawing to the surface and absorb moisture from the blank areas of the image (as well as repel ink).
4. Wash out the drawing. Let the stone rest for an hour or so, then use turpentine to wash the remaining grease off of the drawing. You should have a faint outline of the original illustration.
5. Apply the oil-based printing ink. Dampen the stone’s surface with water, then apply your oil-based ink to a leather roller. Use the roller to apply the ink to the surface of the stone.
6. Lay out the paper. Cut your paper to the right size to fit over the stone. Use a tympan (a special lithograph pressing board) on top of the paper to press it down with equal pressure across the surface while you print. Run the stone through the lithographic press to transfer the inked image to your paper medium.