Lithographic stone is natural and very water permeable. It is very finely grained limestone, which can be easily sanded down and offers a smooth or slightly stippled surface as desired. The artist draws the picture on the stone with some greasy material or with lithographic ink which can be applied with a nib or a brush. After the picture has been created, a solution made of nitric acid and of arabic gum is applied in order to fix the image on the stone. The stone is then washed and ink is applied with a roller. The greasy picture retains the ink while the stone's wet surface rejects it. Color lithography is a more complex process that usually involves multiple applications, one for each colour in the picture.

A good knowledge of colour and perfect vision are necessary.