In this way the pores of the stone close at those parts which are not covered by design, whereas at those parts which are covered by design, the acid saponifies with the lithocrayon. Thus, crayon and ink become insoluble to water. Then, the etching is washed off and the design is again supplied with grease by applying a washing-out solution, consisting of asphalt, dissolved in oil of turpentine, virgin wax, wood tar and lavender wax. Now the design is perfectly visible on the stone. Onto the stone, which is always kept wet, the desired printing ink is now applied with a rough leather or rubber roller.
Printing is carried out with the stone press.
The strong pressure exerted by the scraper transmits the printing ink from the stone onto the paper. For every new ink a new stone is prepared. The number of inks to be used is unlimited, still, it is also a question of cost. Then, the artist draws or scores the etch resisting layer with an etching needle, without penetrating the material. In the etching bath the acid then soaks into the lines created by the artist.