Lithography ( from Greek Î '' Î Î Î Ï - lithos , ` stone ' + Î Ï Î Ï Ï - graphÎ , ` to write ' ) is a method for printing using a stone ( lithographic limestone ) or a metal ( steel or aluminium ) plate with a completely smooth surface . Lithography ( from Greek Î '' Î Î Î Ï - lithos , ` stone ' + Î Ï Î Ï Î Î Î 1\/2 - graphein , ` to write ' ) is a method for printing using a stone ( lithographic limestone ) or a metal plate with a completely smooth surface .