“The Conrad stone levigator is incredibly easy to use—the weight does most of the work for you, so you’re not fighting the tool. It feels smooth and controlled as you move it across the stone, making the grinding process more consistent and less tiring. The built-in holes are a great feature too because they reduce suction so it lifts off the stone easily without sticking.”
– Ken Rodriquez,
Artist/Printmaker
Take a closer look.
Conrad Machine Co. is proud to offer a complete line of the best litho stone levigators for quickly graining lithographic stones.
We manufacture several different sizes of levigator including 8″, 10″, and 12″ diameter, so you will be able to use a levigator that matches the size of your litho stones.
Conrad Litho Stone Levigator Design
It Just Makes Sense.
All Conrad Machine Co. litho stone levigators are custom made from 1 3/4-inch thick, solid steel. The steel is then precision ground to a perfectly flat and completely smooth surface.
The weight of the thick, solid steel helps quickly grain and level litho stones. Five 1-inch holes are then added to the levigator’s surface. These holes allow the stone and levigator to retain water and carborundum grit during the graining process.
Because the levigator and stone are more lubricated, the levigator will be easier to turn and produce more even litho stone leveling and image reduction.
Conrad Lithographic Stone Levigator Handle
Ahhhh. Comfortable.
Since the litho stone graining process is strenuous on printmakers’ hands, we have designed a special, oversized handle to allow smooth, effortless motion. The Conrad Machine Co. levigator’s handle is made from 8-inch long, high density plastic rod.
The extra length allows the printmaker to increase leverage during the graining process. The 1 1/2-inch oversized width of the levigator handle gives the printmaker a comfortable, solid grip on our levigator.
The handle can easily be mounted on both sides of the levigator to ensure even wear. The entire handle is capped off with a stylish aluminum end cap.
Conrad Litho Stone Levigator Advantages
Innovation. Built in.
Five-Hole Design
The five-hole pattern gives you easy access to apply water and abrasive slurry directly where you need it while you’re working. At the same time, these openings help break suction, so the levigator lifts off the stone smoothly instead of sticking.
Heavy Surface
The levigator is designed with a substantial, heavy base, which means the weight naturally provides the pressure needed for grinding. Instead of forcing it down, you can let the tool do the work—making the process easier, more consistent, and less tiring.
Rotatable Handle
As the levigator wears over time, you can remove and reposition the handle to the opposite side. This allows you to even out wear across the surface, extending the life of the tool and keeping performance consistent.
Conrad Stone Levigator Care & Maintence
Keep it clean.
It’s important to keep your levigator clean and maintained for extra long life.
To maintain a litho stone levigator:
Clean thoroughly after use: Remove all abrasive grit after use.
Dry completely: Prevent rust or corrosion.
Store Safely: Keep in a stable, dry environment.
Inspect Regularly: Ensure the base remains flat and undamaged by rotating the handle to prevent uneven wear.
Proper care ensures consistent performance and long life.
Conrad Stone Levigator Sizes & Specifications
Made just for You.
| Levigator Part | Dimension |
| Thickness | 1.75″ |
| Diameter | 8″, 10″, 12″ |
| Handle Length | 8″ |
| Handle Thickness | 1.5″ |
Get a Conrad Stone Levigator
There’s never been
a better time to print.
Get the surface you need for great lithography with a Conrad stone levigator. Designed for smooth operation, even wear, and effortless control, it makes stone preparation faster and more consistent.
Choose your size and upgrade your workflow today. Order your Conrad levigator and get your stones dialed in right.
Shop Conrad Litho Stone Levigators NowWhat Is a Litho Stone Levigator?
A litho stone levigator is a heavy, flat-bottomed tool used in lithography to grind and prepare the surface of a lithographic stone. This process, known as levigation or graining, removes previous images and creates a fresh, evenly textured surface ready for a new drawing.
The levigator is essential in traditional lithography because litho stones are reusable. After a print run is complete, the stone must be reset before it can be used again. The levigator allows artists and printers to achieve a consistent surface that supports both fine detail and tonal variation.
The Purpose of a Litho Stone Levigator
The primary purpose of a levigator is to resurface the litho stone by removing old drawings, chemical residues, and surface irregularities. This ensures that each new print begins with a clean slate.
Levigation serves several key functions:
- Image Removal: Erases previous artwork completely
- Surface Renewal: Creates a consistent, even texture
- Improved Print Quality: Ensures reliable ink and water interaction
- Customization: Allows artists to choose different surface textures
Without proper levigation, leftover grease or uneven surfaces can interfere with the lithographic process, leading to poor print results.
How a Litho Stone Levigator Is Used
Using a levigator involves a physical and methodical process:
1. Preparing the Stone
The litho stone is placed on a stable surface or graining sink.
2. Adding Abrasive Material
A mixture of abrasive grit (such as silicon carbide) and water is spread across the stone.
3. Grinding the Surface
The levigator is moved in a circular or figure-eight motion across the stone, evenly distributing the abrasive.
4. Changing Grit Levels
Coarse grit is used first to remove the old image, followed by finer grits to refine the surface.
5. Cleaning the Stone
After levigation, the stone is thoroughly cleaned and dried.
This process can take significant time and effort, especially for larger stones.
Types of Levigation Textures
The texture created during levigation affects how the stone behaves during printing:
Coarse Grain
Created with larger abrasive particles, this texture is ideal for bold crayon work and strong tonal effects.
Medium Grain
A balanced surface suitable for a wide range of techniques.
Fine Grain
Achieved with fine abrasives, this smooth surface is best for detailed line work and subtle shading.
Artists often choose the grain size based on the style and technique they plan to use.
Care and Maintenance of a Levigator
Like any printmaking tool, it’s important to maintain your litho stone levigator. Here are a few simple tips to keep your stone levigator working properly.
- Clean Thoroughly: Remove all abrasive grit after use
- Dry Completely: Prevent rust or corrosion
- Store Safely: Keep in a stable, dry environment
- Inspect Regularly: Ensure the base remains flat and undamaged
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a litho stone levigator used for?
Litho stone levigators are used to grind and prepare the surface of a lithographic stone for reuse.
What materials are used in levigation?
Abrasive grit (such as silicon carbide) and water are used along with the levigator.
How long does levigation take?
It depends on the size of the stone and the desired surface texture, but it can take considerable time.
Can litho stones be reused without levigation?
No, proper levigation is necessary to remove old images and prepare the surface.
