Abstract: A universal fountain solution formulation for lithographic printing is disclosed that is particularly useful in Dahlgren-type plate dampening systems. The fountain solution is prepared from two etch concentrates, the first (solution A) having as its primary ingredients a fatty acid material, a monovalent hydroxide and water, and the second (solution B) having as its primary ingredients gum arabic a monovalent iodide and water. Different amounts of the primary ingredients are mixed together to form the etch concentrates which are subsequently mixed together with water to produce the final fountain solution formulations.