Here is a range of Gel print techniques and methodologies that I have tested out. Explore this page to uncover helpful resources, instructional videos, and tested content designed to help you through this fun and sometimes frustrating process.
I just launched a YouTube membership Channel where I will be offering exclusive content and my Gel Plate Handbook filled with all the tips and tricks that I know about this process. Click here to get your Gel Plate Handbook and learn more.
Laser Print Image Transfer
Select Your Image: Choose a laser print photograph with high contrast and clear details. Opt for images that will work well in monochrome or with limited colors for better results in printmaking. Consider converting to Halftone and CMYK.
Prepare Your Gel Plate: Lay out your Gel plate on a clean, flat surface. Ensure it's clean and free from any residue from previous projects.
Apply Acrylic Paint: Squeeze a small amount of acrylic paint onto the Gel plate. Use a brayer to evenly spread the paint in a thin, uniform layer. Make sure to cover the entire plate with paint.
Place Your Image: Carefully place your laser print photograph face-down onto the painted Gel plate. Gently press the paper to ensure good contact between the image and the plate.
Transfer the Image: Rub the back of the photograph using a brayer or your fingertips, being careful not to shift the image. Apply even pressure to transfer the image onto the Gel plate.
Peel and Reveal: before it dries, carefully lift the photograph from the Gel plate. Your image should now be transferred onto the plate.
Reverse Painting: Once the image transfer is dry, paint on more layers.
Transfer Layer: Add a layer of paint over the Gel plate and gently rub the back to transfer the image from the plate to the paper. Let it dry. I weigh mine under books. Lift the paper to reveal your print.
See some of Jessica's printmaking here.
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Photos Not Transferring?
Small adjustments in your process and materials can make a big difference. It could be several things you can do to help your prints come out better. 1. Image Quality, 2. How your photo is edited 3. Printer Paper are just a few of the variables you need to consider.
If your photo is too low resolution it means that there’s not enough toner on the paper. It could also mean that you're pressing too hard when you put the image down on the gel plate. A light touch is best. Some ways that you can solve this could be to use a light touch and no brayer when you transfer your image onto the gel plate.
To make sure that your images are high contrast and high resolution, try printing your image in halftone if you have access to an app that will allow you to do that. Print your images even though they’re black-and-white in CMYK so that they have more toner on the paper per print than just printing plain black-and-white. Try running your photo through the laser printer two times to ensure that enough toner is on the paper. You can also try converting your photo to halftone. This video can help.
Magazine Image Transfers
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Set up a clean and organized workspace. Place your Gel plate on a flat surface with ample room to work comfortably.
Step 2: Apply Paint
Squeeze a small amount of acrylic paint onto the Gel plate. Use a soft brayer to spread the paint evenly, creating a thin layer. Experiment with multiple colors for dynamic effects.
Step 3: Add Magazine Photo
Press gently with your hands or roll gently with a brayer. Lift the magazine right away while the paint is still wet and see the image remain on the plate.
Which Magazines work?
Not all magazines work well. This will take some experimenting. Vogue seems to have consistent results because it uses a high-quality ink in the printing process. Gift Wrap paper and other types of printed materials can work.
Recommended Supplies
Gel Plate: A soft, gel like printing surface for creating unique prints by transferring paint onto paper. Gelli Brand Plate @gelliarts: My recommended brand
Brayer (Rollie Thing): Roller tool for applying an even layer of paint.
Bristol 205 gr (or so): Heavyweight Bristol paper (205 grams) for excellent print surfaces.
Acrylic Paint: High quality acrylic paints for vibrant and varied colors in Gel Plate prints.
Acrylic Brands: Amsterdam, Liquitex, and Golden Paints.
Baby Oil: Cleaning and conditioning the plate and aiding print release.
Dish Soap: For cleaning the plate.
Packing Tape & Baby wipes: Removing gritty bits and cleaning up smaller touch up areas of the plate.
Optional Supplies:
Plexiglas: transparent acrylic sheets for storage and reverse painting. for Storage and to See Underneath while Reverse Painting:
Gel Medium for Thinning Acrylic Paint and for Transfer Layers. Versatile substance for thinning paint and creating transfer layers.
Paint Brushes, Acrylic Paint Markers, and Palette Knives: Optional tools for precise paint application and exploring techniques.
Conditioning your Plate: Condition your plate with baby oil. Just add a few drops and rub it in. This will help the plate from drying out too much.
Printer Paper Weights
Cleaning Your Plate
- Use hand santizer to give it a quick clean
- Wash it with a gentle dish soap and water
Stuck on Paint:
- Clean it with baby oil to remove leftover paint.
- Cover the plate with acrylic paint or gel medium and pull a “clean up” print. These can be used for later projects such as collage
Storage:
- Store it flat.
- Avoid having water sit beneath it because it could cause water marks on the plate
- Store it between in its original package to prevent drying and protect its surface. I store my on plexiglas sheets. I also work on them on those sheets to help me move them around the studio and look underneath when I am doing the reverse painting.
Adhering to these instructions and exploring the process can lead to significant creative achievements. Enjoy your printing endeavors!
Health and Safety Guidelines: Best Practices
Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area, especially when using mediums or solvents.
Skin Protection: Wear gloves when handling paints or chemicals, and use barrier creams if necessary.
Waste Disposal: Follow local regulations for disposing of art materials. Never pour solvents or acrylic mediums down the drain.
Gel Plate Video Playlist
Watch as I go through the process of learning how to create image transfers on gel plates. See how I, an artist and art teacher struggle and then learn some valuable tips to help make this process easier and more fun for you to experiment and create with.