Getting Started with Gel Printing: A Complete Beginner's Guide
Everything you need to get started with monoprinting
Hello friends! I’ve been playing around with gel printing for the last few months, and I wanted to create a post with everything I’ve learned as a beginner and pass on that knowledge to you. Gel printing is such a great way to make papers that match your particular style or using your favorite colors.
So, if you're looking to dive into the world of gel printing (aka gelli prints), you've come to the right place. Gel printing is an exciting, creative process that lets you make one-of-a-kind prints with simple tools and materials.
It's perfect for anyone eager to explore their creative side, even if you're starting from scratch. Let's get you set up with everything you need to begin your gel printing adventure.
What You'll Need
Gel Plate: Your magic canvas for creating prints. It's reusable, so you can make countless prints with just one plate. I picked up mine from Gelli Arts.
Acrylic Paint: Choose a variety of colors to bring your prints to life. No need to get every color right away; start with a few of your favorites. My favorite paints for gel printing are Liquitex Basics, I have this 48-color set that I got at Michaels with a coupon.
Brayer: This roller helps spread the paint evenly over your gel plate. A must-have for smooth, consistent prints. Speedball makes great brayers.
Paper: You'll be pulling your prints onto paper, so have a variety on hand. Think printer paper, cardstock, and deli paper to start with. Each type gives a different look and feel to your prints.
How to Set Up Your Workspace:
Find a spot where you're comfortable and have space to spread out a bit.
Using a surface that you can wipe clean is ideal because gel printing can get a bit messy.
Have a damp cloth or paper towels handy for quick cleanups.
Keep your supplies within reach, and figure out where you like to put your gel print, your paints, the scratch paper to clean your brayer, and the spaces where you’re going to lay your prints to dry.
Creating a physical setup that works for you helps you to stay focused on creating rather than searching for your tools or getting frustrated at your surroundings.
How to Care for Your Gel Plate
Clean your gel plate gently after use with soap and water or baby wipes. Be careful to avoid scratching it and don’t put anything sharp near the gel plate.
Store it flat between sheets of printer paper to keep it clean and ready for your next printing session.
You can stack your gel plates on top of each other, but don’t store anything that will make indentations on the plates.
Storing Your Prints
Let your prints dry fully before you store them. Stack them flat to avoid creases or wrinkles.
I personally keep my gel prints in an expanding file folder once their dry. It’s easy to thumb through in order to find the print I’m looking for.
Expanding Your Toolkit
Once you've got the hang of the basics, it's time to play and experiment:
Textured Objects: Things like bubble wrap or lace can create fascinating textures on your prints.
Foam Stamps and Leaves: Use these for unique patterns and designs.
Stencils and Masks: These are great for adding layers and complexity to your prints.
Other Colors: Experiment with inks, markers, watercolors, and spray inks for different effects.
Daily Pages + Gel Printing
To get you started, why not incorporate your prints into Daily Pages? These are a great way to document your life, thoughts, and now, your artistic creations. It's a simple, fun way to use your prints and see how versatile gel printing can be, especially while you’re still learning and getting used to the techniques.
Here are a couple more photos of my Daily Pages that feature gel prints. These examples can spark ideas and show you the potential of your new skill.
Remember, the key is to dive in and have fun. Trust yourself, give yourself the freedom to explore, and don't worry about making everything perfect. Every print is a step in your creative journey.
What’s Next
Want to dive deeper? Join us on Saturday, April 6th, at Noon ET for our Daily Pages Gel Print Masterclass. It's a fantastic opportunity to learn more, get inspired, and connect with others on the same journey. This class is available to anyone with a paid subscription.
Gel printing is an amazing way to express your creativity and tell your story through art. As you explore, you'll find your unique style and ways to incorporate this versatile technique into your projects. I can't wait to see what you create!
Have you tried gel printing yet? What's your favorite part of the process, or what are you most excited to try? Share your thoughts and experiences with us; we love hearing from you!