Identification of many lichens require determination of their chemical constituents. Thin-layer chromatography is a chemical method for separating out chemicals by their solubility in organic solvents. We present here a tested, simplified protocol for performing thin-layer chromatography using locally available materials and reagents, based on solvent system C of standard lichen chromatographic protocols. Adapting Solvent System C, commercial-grade reagents were substituted and the protocol modified to be performed outside of a laboratory without the need of a special license for purchasing laboratory-grade chemicals and without special handling of hazardous chemicals and waste. Commercial-grade materials and chemicals were exchanged step-wise throughout the process. Trials completed using commercial-grade materials and chemicals were successfully compared to using labgrade materials and chemicals.