Aluminum-Foil Kitchen Lithography
Real lithography on a sheet of soda-can aluminum and a bottle of cola.
Draw with grease on a sheet of aluminum, swab it with cola, then ink it wet — the ink only sticks where you drew.
- ▸Grease and water don't mix: oily ink clings to the drawing, water repels it from the rest.
- ▸The cola's mild acid makes the blank areas water-loving so they stay clean.
- ▸Real lithography chemistry, but with nothing scarier than a soda can.
Steps
- 01
Sand the aluminum lightly with steel wool to give it a uniform tooth.
- 02
Draw your image with the oil crayon — anywhere with grease will print.
- 03
Sponge cola over the entire plate, leave 2 minutes, rinse with water — this makes the un-drawn areas water-loving.
- 04
Keep the plate constantly damp with a sponge.
- 05
Roll oil-based ink across — it sticks only to the greasy drawing.
- 06
Lay paper, burnish, pull.
Materials5
- — A sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil OR a flattened soda can
- — An oil-based crayon or china marker
- — A bottle of regular Coca-Cola (the phosphoric acid is the etch)
- — Sponge
- — Oil-based ink and a brayer
Safety
Involves caustics, acids, or open flame. Full PPE and trained supervision recommended.
- Acidic / corrosive etchant
- ☐Wear goggles, apron, and acid-resistant gloves
- ☐Always pour acid into water, not the reverse
- ☐Neutralize and dispose per local hazardous-waste rules
- ☐Work in a ventilated area; keep food and drink out of the studio
- ☐Read each material's safety data sheet (SDS) before starting
- ☐Have water, soap, and a first-aid kit accessible
Heuristic guidance derived from listed materials. Always consult each material's safety data sheet (SDS) and a qualified instructor before attempting.
Notes
Real planographic printing with no chemicals more dangerous than soda. The Mexican printmaker collective Burrito-Press developed this method.