Senefelder's Liquid Asphaltum is primarily used for the preservation of plates from corrosion, rusting and scratching. It dries to a hard surface. Asphaltum is frequently used as a ground, a stop out varnish and even as a coating for the backs of plates prior to immersing in an acid bath.

Lithography uses of Graphic Chemical Senefelder's Liquid Asphaltum

The same asphaltum used for these etching purposes is the same liquid asphaltum used by lithographers in their work. Senefelder's asphaltum is buffed onto the litho surface before being rolled up in black ink. Senefelder's Asphaltum is used in lithography as a base for roll-up ink to adhere. This process is an essential step and requires an oily ink such as Graphic Chemicals Roll Up Black or Charbonnel Noir A Monter ink and a Leather Inking Roller. The surface of the plate is kept damp with a litho sponge. This process allows the ink to adhere to the asphaltum base only in areas of the image that are receptive to ink. The ball grained plate or litho stone is then wiped with clean water and shop towels to remove excess asphaltum.