Thin layer chromatography is probably the easiest way how to perform chromatographic separation. At least you do not need any instrument. In thin layer chromatography (TLC) the solvent flows through the stationary phase which covers the thin plate. One part of plate is submerged into the mobile phase which travel across the plate using capillary forces.

The sample spots drift towards the second end of the plate according their interaction with the stationary phases. Some of them travel faster then other, hence resulting separation occurs.

The retention factor, Rf, which characterizes the retention of each compound is than calculated as the ratio between the distance of the spot from the beginning and the distance of the solvent front.

One part of thin layer chromatography uses paper as a stationary phase and is accordingly called paper chromatography.