Abstract: A lithographic fountain solution concentrate is disclosed, the essential components of which comprises an aqueous mixture of:(a) from about 0.1 to 1.5 percent by weight of a water soluble film forming hydrophilic gum;(b) from about 0.75 to about 8.5 percent by weight of Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone;(c) from about 5.0 to about 30.0 percent by weight of a water soluble acid etchant;(d) from about 20.0 to about 50.0 percent by weight of a water soluble or water miscible glycol; and(e) from about 0.01 to about 1.25 percent by weight of a phosphate/phosphoric acid buffer system.The concentrate is adapted for further dilution by water to yield a fountain solution which when used in the printing process offers decreased scumming and blinding of printing plates while at the same time permitting a reduction in the amount of water applied to the plate. Improved print quality, reduced tendency to wet the paper, faster ink drying and improved ink/water balance is thereby achieved.