Are you a craft enthusiast with a room overflowing with supplies, yet you still find yourself lacking the perfect paper for your projects? The struggle to find paper that matches your exact vision – theme, mood, colors – is real for many creatives. If you’re like me, compromising on your artistic vision is simply not an option.
So, what’s the solution? Buying every paper imaginable? Moving into a craft store? Perhaps a more practical and definitely more creative approach is to make your own papers! And that’s exactly what led me to discover gel printing, a technique that’s not only incredibly fun and easy but also unlocks a world of creative possibilities.
What is Gel Printing?
Gel printing, also known as gelli printing, is an exciting art form that allows you to create unique prints called monoprints. Historically, monoprinting required a printing press to transfer paint from a plate to paper or fabric. However, thanks to the innovation of the gelli plate, a soft, flexible silicone-like plate, you can now achieve stunning monoprints without any specialized equipment.
When I first encountered gel printing, I was instantly captivated by its potential. The vibrant colors, intriguing textures, and seemingly endless possibilities sparked my creativity. Yet, beneath the excitement, a touch of intimidation lingered. It looked like the ultimate printmaking technique, but how to even begin? It took some experimentation, a bit of trial and error, but eventually, I found myself creating gel prints I absolutely loved.
Essential Materials for Gel Printing
To embark on your gel printing journey, you’ll need a few basic materials and tools. Let’s explore each one:
Gel Printing Plate
The star of the show is undoubtedly the gel printing plate itself. This soft, pliable surface is typically made from mineral oil and glycerin. It comes in various sizes and provides the perfect medium for spreading paints, adding textures, and creating multiple prints.
Gel plates are available in a range of shapes and sizes. For beginners, I highly recommend starting with an 8.5″ x 11″ plate. This size offers ample space for experimentation and allows you to incorporate pattern-making tools like stencils and stamps effectively. While smaller plates are available, a larger plate provides more versatility, especially if you want to create bigger prints or explore different layouts.
Leading brands in the gel plate market include Gelli Arts and Gel Press, both known for their quality and performance.
Two popular brands of gel printing plates: Gelli Arts and Gel Press.
For the truly adventurous and budget-conscious, you can even craft your own gel plate! Numerous online tutorials, like this helpful guide on how to create a DIY gel plate, can walk you through the process.
Brayer
While paint can be applied to the gel plate using tools like plastic cards or brushes, a brayer is the ideal tool for the job. A brayer is a hand-roller used to spread ink or paint evenly. It ensures smooth, consistent paint application across the plate and gives you greater control over the amount of paint used.
Brayers are available in different sizes. The Speedball Art Brayer is a popular and reliable choice among gel printing artists.
A Speedball Art Brayer, perfect for even paint application on gel plates.
Acrylic Paints
Acrylic paints are the primary medium for gel printing. The beauty of gel printing is its versatility – you can use virtually any acrylic paint you have on hand. However, consider these points when selecting your paints:
- Paint Body: Heavier body acrylic paints tend to capture texture more effectively than thinner soft body or craft paints. This difference in paint consistency will lead to diverse and interesting effects in your prints.
- Color Lightness: Lighter colors generally dry faster than darker shades. Keep this in mind and adjust your working speed accordingly, especially when working with intricate designs or multiple layers.
- Brand Preference: While artists often have their preferred brands, the good news is that all brands work wonderfully for gel printing. So, start with what you already own and experiment!
A vibrant array of acrylic paints ready for gel printing.
Texture and Pattern Making Supplies for Gel Printing
Applying acrylic paint is just the initial step in gel printing. The magic truly unfolds when you start adding texture and patterns to your prints. This is where your creativity can run wild, as the possibilities are practically limitless.
Craft & Art Supplies:
Stencils and stamps are fundamental tools for creating patterns and textures. Any stencil or stamp design can be used, and brand doesn’t matter. Explore your existing stash of stencils, masks, and stamps with various patterns and images.
Don’t limit yourself to pre-made stencils. You can easily create your own stencils and masks by punching out shapes or cutting designs from paper with scissors or craft knives. Use the punched-out paper as stencils and the remaining shapes as masks to build layers and negative spaces in your prints.
Household Items:
Look around your home for everyday objects that can become texture-making tools. Here are just a few ideas to spark your imagination:
- Combs (hair combs, fine-tooth combs)
- Plastic cutlery (forks, knives, spoons)
- Ribbon and lace scraps
- String, twine, yarn
- Plastic canvas pieces (from craft stores)
- Crumpled wax paper or tissue paper
- Buttons of various sizes and shapes
- Hardware like nuts & washers
- Bubble wrap
- Old plastic cards (gift cards, credit cards)
- Toilet paper or paper towel rolls (cut into shapes)
Freehand Drawing:
For a more direct and expressive approach, try drawing directly into the paint on the gel plate. Use tools like pencils, popsicle sticks, or even the end of a paintbrush to create lines, patterns, and textures. Exercise caution to avoid scratching or damaging the delicate gel plate surface.
Paper
The type of paper you choose will depend on your desired outcome and the projects you have in mind for your gel prints. Experiment with different papers to discover the unique effects each one produces.
Here are some paper suggestions for gel printing:
- Cardstock (for sturdy backgrounds and cards)
- Watercolor paper (for mixed media projects)
- Deli paper (thin and translucent, great for layering)
- Tissue paper (delicate and adds texture)
- Book pages (for vintage or collage effects)
- Music sheets and maps (for unique backgrounds)
Other Mediums
While acrylic paint is the most common choice, you’re not limited to just one medium. Many other materials can be used on a gel plate to create interesting prints. Keep in mind that some mediums may stain the plate, but this usually doesn’t affect printing quality and can often be cleaned.
Explore these alternative mediums:
- Inks (alcohol inks, acrylic inks)
- Markers (water-based markers, paint markers)
- Crayons (wax crayons, oil pastels)
- Watercolors (liquid watercolors, watercolor pans)
- Sprays (spray inks, diluted acrylics)
What to Do With Your Gel Prints
Once you start gel printing, you’ll quickly accumulate a stack of unique and colorful prints. The question then becomes: what are they good for? While the process itself is enjoyable, the real satisfaction comes from using your gel prints in creative projects.
My favorite way to use gel prints is in art journaling:
- Create full-page backgrounds for art journal spreads.
- Cut and collage pieces of different prints to build layers and compositions.
- Isolate and feature a section of a print as a focal point.
- Use gel prints to cover and alter existing art journal backgrounds.
However, the applications extend far beyond art journaling. To help you avoid wasting time making prints without a purpose, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of creative ways to use your gel prints.
Click here to get this valuable resource sent directly to your email!
Sign up to receive a guide with 22 ideas for using your gel prints.
The Basics of Gel Printing: Step-by-Step
Ready to dive into the process? Here’s a step-by-step guide to gel printing, allowing you to create custom papers and patterns with ease.
Apply the Paint
The first step is to apply a small amount of paint to your gel plate. You can use a palette knife to dollop paint onto the plate, or simply squeeze a few drops directly from the paint bottle. Feel free to use multiple colors at this stage.
Spread the Paint
Next, take your brayer and roll it across the paint, spreading it evenly over the gel plate surface. There are no strict rules here – experiment with different directions and techniques. If using multiple colors, try rolling the brayer in a single direction and lifting it at the edge, rather than rolling back and forth. This technique can help prevent colors from becoming muddy when mixing contrasting shades.
Create Patterns and Texture
This is where the fun truly begins! Now it’s time to use your stencils, masks, stamps, and texture tools.
Here are a few ideas and gel printing techniques to try:
- Lay a piece of twine or yarn across the painted gel plate.
- Use a comb to create lines and patterns in the paint.
- Stamp the plate with various objects – buttons, hardware washers, textured surfaces.
- Press a piece of decorative lace or ribbon into the paint.
- Use stencils and masks to create areas that remain paint-free.
- Stamp images onto the painted surface.
- Remove paint through a stencil using a baby wipe for a reverse stencil effect.
Press and Pull
Once you’re satisfied with your textures and patterns, place a piece of paper on top of the gel plate. Gently press down with your hands to ensure good contact between the paper and the painted surface. Then, carefully peel the paper away to reveal your monoprint design.
If there’s still paint remaining on the gel plate after the first print, don’t discard it! Place a second piece of paper onto the plate and repeat the press and pull process. These subsequent prints are known as “ghost prints.” Often, ghost prints can be just as captivating and beautiful as the initial print, offering a softer, more subtle version of the design.
After the first print is dry, you can create even more depth and complexity by layering additional prints on the same piece of paper. Layering prints results in rich, intricate patterns and colors.
Achieving the Best Results in Gelli Plate Art
Gel printing inherently involves an element of the unpredictable. When you apply paint and create textures on the gel plate, the final outcome on paper is always a slight surprise.
Firstly, the print is a reverse image of what you create on the plate. Secondly, the layering process builds up visual complexity that can be difficult to fully anticipate.
This lack of absolute control can be uncomfortable for some artists, deterring them from trying gel printing. However, I believe this element of surprise is part of the beauty and allure of the technique. Embrace the unexpected, use your imagination, and accept the unique results that emerge.
For those who find the uncertainty challenging, a step-by-step video tutorial on the basics of gel printing can be incredibly helpful. Following a visual guide can build confidence and help you understand the process more intuitively.
Start with the first step, follow along with the video at your own pace, and before you know it, you’ll be creating gel prints like a pro. The initial discomfort will fade as you gain experience and embrace the playful, experimental nature of gel printing. Venture beyond the basics, explore unconventional texture tools, experiment with color combinations, and create your own DIY stencils and stamps to unlock even more amazing gel print possibilities.
Gel Printing Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure optimal results and prolong the life of your gel plate, avoid these common gel plate problems:
Using Sharp Objects
The gel plate’s surface is delicate and easily damaged. Any sharp objects can leave marks, dents, scratches, or even holes that are irreparable. Exercise caution when using tools to create textures and patterns, and avoid applying excessive pressure.
Thinking You Need Just the Right…
- Tools
- Paints
- Ideas
- Techniques
YOU DON’T! One of the most liberating aspects of gel printing is its accessibility. You can create stunning gel prints with any tools, any paints, and any ideas or techniques that spark your interest. Gel printing is about exploration, experimentation, and embracing your creativity.
Expecting Perfect Gel Printing Results
Embrace the surprise element! Part of the charm of gel plate art is the unexpected and unique results. There might be a learning curve as you get acquainted with the technique, but with practice and patience, you’ll gain more control over the process and be able to anticipate outcomes more effectively.
Throwing Away “Failed” Prints
Don’t be too quick to judge your prints. If you’re not initially thrilled with a print, set it aside for a few days and revisit it with fresh eyes. Often, a print that initially seemed disappointing can reveal hidden beauty upon later reflection. If you still don’t love it, you can always repurpose it! Try layering white paint over parts or most of the print and create a new print on top, effectively transforming it into a new background or layer.
Making “Safe” Gel Printing
Don’t be afraid to experiment and push your boundaries. After all, it’s just paint and paper! Some of the most exciting discoveries in gel printing come from taking risks and trying unconventional approaches.
Putting Too Much or Too Little Paint
This is a delicate balance that you’ll master with practice, and it often depends on the consistency of the paint you’re using.
- Too much paint: Can lead to blurry and imprecise patterns. When you press the paper onto the plate, excess paint can spread out beyond your intended design.
- Too little paint: Can cause the paper to stick to the gel plate, making it difficult to peel off and potentially tearing the paper.
Mixing Too Many Paints
While experimenting with color is encouraged, mixing too many colors directly on the gel plate can sometimes result in muddy, indistinct colors rather than clear, separate hues. Instead of mixing numerous colors at once, consider working in layers. Create separate prints with different color combinations and layer them on top of each other to build depth and visual interest.
How to Store Gel Prints
Gel printing can become wonderfully addictive! Soon, you’ll likely find yourself with a growing collection of gel prints. To keep them organized and readily accessible for future projects, establish a simple sorting and storage system.
- Store gel monoprints by colors or patterns: Group prints with similar color palettes or recurring patterns together.
- Arrange gel prints by paper type: Organize prints based on the type of paper used (cardstock, tissue paper, etc.) to easily find the right paper for a specific project.
How to Use Gel Printing Prints
With your organized stash of custom-made papers, you’ll always have the perfect paper on hand for any creative endeavor! Now it’s time to put your gel prints to use.
I’ve created a printable guide with 22 inspiring ideas for using your gel prints in various projects.
Gel Printing in Art Journaling
Many artists use gel prints extensively in their art journals, creating backgrounds and even entire journal pages with this versatile technique.
Here’s an art journal page I created using pieces of gel prints to build a textured background. Click here to watch the video tutorial and see the process in action.
Cleaning the Gel Plate for Future Gel Printing
Proper cleaning is essential to maintain your gel plate in good condition. After each gel printing session, clean your plate promptly. Baby wipes are convenient for quick clean-up, or you can wash the plate gently with soap and water.
Cleaning your brayer is equally important. Dried paint buildup can interfere with smooth rolling and paint application. After using the brayer, roll it on a scrap piece of paper or an art journal page to remove excess paint – you’ll even create another background or the start of a new print in the process! Then, clean the brayer with soap and water.
Store your gel plate horizontally and protect it by covering both sides with plain white paper to prevent dust and debris from settling on the surface.
Sharing is caring – PIN IT!
Share the joy of gel printing with others!
Have fun and unleash your creativity with gel printing!
