Lithography in a K-12 art room sounds complicated, doesn’t it? Traditional lithography is a printmaking process where the artist draws a design on stone or zinc, etches it with an acid, and then inks and prints it onto paper. It’s an expensive and lengthy process, making it difficult to bring into a general art room. However, “kitchen lithography,” or “tin foil lithography,” is an accessible way to explore the same “oil repels water” principle with items you have in your kitchen!
Let’s bring the kitchen to the art room with tin foil lithography to build science connections, teach value, and explore a new printmaking medium!
Raid your kitchen for everyday supplies!
The first step is to raid your kitchen! Most of the materials you will need you probably already have in your supply closet or pantry. Your students will enjoy seeing familiar items in the art room and you will blow them away with new art uses by the end of the period!
Gather these simple materials:
- Plates
Pre-tear aluminum foil into sheets for each student to use as printing plates. - Etching Solution
Use cola or vinegar to etch the design into the plate. - Printing Ink
Use lithography or oil-based ink. - Drawing Materials
Add images with anything greasy and oily such as oil-based crayons or permanent markers. - Brayer
Apply ink evenly to the printing surface with roller tools. - Sponge or Soft Cloth
Add the etching solution and clean the plate. - Containers or Trays
Catch excess etching solution with plastic tubs or trays. - Spray Bottle with Water
Keep non-image areas wet. - Plexiglass or Glass Sheet
Provide one per student to support the aluminum foil and have extras for students to share to roll out the ink. - Rubber Gloves
Protect hands. - Paper
Print on smooth, sturdy paper such as cardstock. - Baren or Roller
Apply pressure with a baren, roller, or heavy spoon. - Masking Tape
Secure the foil to the work surface. - Cleaner
Use vegetable oil and a strong soap for easy cleanup.
Reinforce science connections and demonstrate value with these steps.
Lithography has a rich history because the process revolutionized printmaking and made art more accessible to the masses. It also is a neat way to highlight how oil and water repel each other and the element of value. Exposing students to a new form of printmaking is a way to broaden their art appreciation and knowledge. For more about the traditional process of lithography, watch the Classroom Lithography Pack in PRO Learning.
Keep in mind that some drawing materials work better than others and some brands of aluminum foil etch faster or slower than others. Do a few test runs ahead of time to ensure success and gauge time limits. This will prevent students from over- or under-etching.
Preparation is key and a clean, organized workspace will ensure a smooth printing process and clean prints. Choose a flat, stable surface to work on. Lay down a protective covering, such as plastic or newspaper, to keep your area clean. Organize the materials at individual stations for students. Each student should have enough space to roll out ink, work on their image and plate, and have a spot for clean paper.
2. Prepare the plate.
Pre-cut the pieces of aluminum foil slightly larger than the intended print size. Be careful not to touch the working area because any hint of grease (including your fingerprints!) will show up in the final print. Cover the plexiglass or glass plates with foil. Smooth out any wrinkles and tape down the edges to the back using masking tape. For elementary, it helps to prep as much as possible ahead of time. For secondary, students can help prep their own areas.
3. Create simple shapes for the design.
Using a permanent marker or oil-based crayon, draw the design directly onto the aluminum foil. Remember, your drawing will be the reverse image of the final print, so think backward! For beginners, start with bold simple designs so they can focus on the process rather than the illustration. Remember, keep all grease off the plate, including from fingers and hands resting on the plate when drawing!
4. Etch the plate.
It’s time to see science in action! Place the plate in a tub or tray to catch any excess etching solution. Pour cola or vinegar into a small bowl. Dip a sponge or soft cloth into the solution and gently rub it over the entire surface of the aluminum foil for 5-10 minutes, focusing on areas without your drawing. The acid will create a hydrophilic surface (one that attracts water) where there’s no drawing and an oleophilic surface (one that attracts oil) where the drawing is.
5. Rinse and dry the plate carefully.
Rinse the aluminum foil with water to remove the etching solution. Gently pat the plate dry with a soft cloth. Be careful not to rub away the drawing.
6. Roll the ink.
Squeeze a small amount of oil-based ink onto a plexiglass or glass sheet. Use a brayer to roll out a thin, even layer.
7. Ink the plate.
Dampen the aluminum foil plate with water using a sponge or spray bottle. Ensure the non-image areas stay wet. Use the brayer to apply the ink over the plate. The ink will stick to your drawing and repel from the wet areas. Remind students that areas will repel the ink and avoid the urge to over-ink.
8. Prepare the paper.
Pre-cut the paper so it’s ready to go. Optionally, lightly mist or dampen the paper for more detailed prints.
9. Make the print.
Carefully place the prepared paper over the inked plate. Use a baren, roller, or heavy spoon to press down firmly and evenly on the back of the paper, ensuring the ink transfers without smudging. Consider using registration marks depending on the ability level of the class.
10. Pull the print!
Slowly peel back the paper to reveal the print. Each print will be unique, reflecting both the artistry and science behind the process. Encourage students to embrace imperfections in their prints as part of the learning process. Place prints to dry in a clean area.
11. Clean up well.
Direct students to a clean-up station. Provide paper towels, wipes, and trash cans to facilitate quick and efficient clean-up. Use vegetable oil followed by soap and water to remove oil-based ink.
Kitchen lithography is all about experimentation with everyday items. Encourage students to try different drawing materials, etching times, and paper types to achieve various effects. Reflect on successes and improvements, as well as what steps produce darker and lighter values. Allocate time at the end of the class for students to share their prints and discuss their experiences. Make learning more meaningful with deeper history and science connections. Try tin foil lithography, an accessible medium that is more like a science experiment to get your students hooked on printmaking!
Have you tried kitchen lithography in the art room? We’d love to hear about it!
What questions do you still have about tin foil lithography for K-12 art students?
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Magazine articles and podcasts are opinions of professional education contributors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Art of Education University (AOEU) or its academic offerings. Contributors use terms in the way they are most often talked about in the scope of their educational experiences.
