Home Stone Lithography Part 2 - Graining

After setting up my sink for graining, I worked on graining my first 2 stones. Not surprisingly, I ended up with a noticeable dip in the center of the top stone. They are very similar in size, which is not best for stone to stone. With a bit of extra time and elbow grease, I was able to work it to a level surface. One of the tools I plan to get soon is a solid steel piece to help focus on those corners and edges.
Thanks as always for watching!
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[@jarlsoars1150]

I take it you're using silicone carbide(used also for collagraph and rock tumbling)? Also, odd question...I'd imagine that the stone slurry smells like a gravel road after a heavy rain...or maybe like clay? This is a lot of work...thank you for sharing!!

[@valeriesyposz]

Yes, silicon carbide aka carborundum. I actually noticed a bit of a strange polyurethane/varnish smell when the top coat started coming off and then more akin to wet gravel afterwards.
And yes, it is a lot of work. I often like to switch things up in terms of techniques or take the most difficult path (even though I generally stay within the realm of printmaking). Sometimes I wonder why I make it so hard for myself, but then I also think perhaps I live for these challenges.

[@rafelvidalquintana4525]

After the coke, how many time do you leave the arabic gum on the stone? Thank you very much.