This basic process is varied by the artist depending on the effect the artist wants to achieve. Without this matrix, any similar prints made are not an exact duplicate of the image. Artists are working this way because of the expressive qualities and the color possibilities available through this method. One way to produce a monotype is to apply ink with a roller or a brush to the surface of a metal or plexiglass plate. The ink is manipulated with fingers, Q-tips, rags, etc. to create the image.
Some artists apply all colors and complete the image for one press run.
Other artists prefer to use multiple layers of transparent ink and make many press runs. The tusche may be diluted with solvents and brushed on in washes to produce tones from light to very dark. In stone lithography, the stone on the press and is kept damp while ink is rolled evenly onto the image with a napped leather roller, the moist open areas repelling the ink. Paper is placed on the stone or plate and covered with a smooth lubricated tympan . A scraper bar applies pressure of about 500 pounds per square inch as the plate is moved through the press, forcing ink into the fibers of the paper.