Art Education

Gelli Print

Free Tutorial on Gel Plate Printmaking with Laser Print Transfers

Gel plate printmaking is a creative and accessible art form that allows you to create unique, textured prints by combining photography, painting, and printmaking techniques. Whether you're new to the process or looking to refine your skills, this guide will walk you through laser print transfers and key tips to elevate your prints.

Sign up for the waitlist for my Gel Plate Monotype Course

Gelli print supplies

Materials Needed

Most of my recommended supplies can be found on my Amazon Storefront. Here's what you'll need to get started:

  • Gel Plate: I recommend Gelli Arts plates for their quality and durability.
  • Acrylic Paints: Amsterdam paints work wonderfully for their rich pigments and smooth application.
  • Paper: Standard 80–90 gram paper is great for laser prints but for your monotypes heavier papers, like Bristol, can be beneficial for layering.
  • Laser-Printed Images: High-resolution images with ample toner transfer best.
  • Brayer: Essential for spreading paint evenly.
  • Other Substrates: Experiment with different papers or surfaces to find what works for you.

Step-by-Step Guide to Laser Print Transfers

This tutorial has everything from how to edit your photo to the do and don’ts of image transfers with reverse image, painting,

1. Prepare Your Laser Print

  • Choose high-resolution images for better toner density.
  • Increase contrast during editing to make details stand out.
  • Print in CMYK mode and, if possible, use halftone settings for more toner coverage. (Details below)
  • Double-print the image for if your printer is having trouble laying down enough toner to make this work.

2. Apply Paint to the Gel Plate

Thin layer of acrylic paint on the gel plate
This is the right balance
  • Spread a thin, even layer of acrylic paint onto the gel plate with a brayer.
  • Avoid overloading the plate with paint, as this can hinder the transfer process.

3. Transfer the Image

  • Place the laser print face-down onto the gel plate.
  • Apply light, even pressure with your hands or using a brayer.

4. Reveal

Image transfer with blue
  • Gently peel the photo off the gel plate. The toner will repel the paint, leaving the transferred image on the plate.
You don’t have to add only one layer before picking it up off the plate, but you can do reverse painting. I have more detailed demonstrations and videos down below

5. Pick Up Layer

  • Once the transferred layer dries, cover the entire plate with a new, thin layer of acrylic paint or gel medium.
  • Press a sheet of paper firmly onto the wet surface and let it dry completely.
  • Peel off the paper to reveal your finished print.
  • Of course you don’t have to die right in with a pick up player you can do as many layers of reverse painting as you like. I have some videos down below that go through the process and more detail.
Gel printmaking
Lifting off


Three Biggest Tips for Gel Printmaking

1. Supplies, Weather, and Timing Go Hand in Hand

Use high-quality tools like Gelli Arts gel plates and Amsterdam acrylic paints.

Experiment with different paper types, including Bristol and kraft papers.

Pay attention to humidity and drying times, as they can impact your results.

2. Master Layering and Color Mixing

Build depth in your prints by layering thin, translucent layers of paint.

Experiment with color blending directly on the plate to create unique effects. (Reverse Painting)

Allow each layer to dry fully before adding the next for sharper, more defined layers.

3. Embrace Imperfection and Experimentation

“Mistakes are the portals of discovery.”

James Joyce

Some of the best prints come from unexpected effects.

Try different tools, textures, and techniques to discover new possibilities.

Keep a record of your process to replicate or refine successful methods.

See Jessica’s Gel Prints

Building on the Basics

Editing Your Photos and Printers

I strongly believe that editing your photos properly will give you better results for your image transfers, more than what particular printer you are using. Of course, the printers matter, but I think a bigger component in all of this is creating high resolution photos that are high contrast to begin with. then, if you would like to concentrate your toner more from your printer, print it out with the color settings and use half tone to further concentrate the toner into the little dots re-blow for more.

High Resolution, High Contrast CMYK and Halftone
What is CMYK?

CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black, the four ink colors used in most professional printing processes. These colors work together to create a full spectrum of hues by layering and blending.

Unlike RGB (Red, Green, Blue), which is used for screens and digital displays, CMYK is designed for printing. Each color is applied in tiny dots that overlap, creating precise and vibrant images on paper.
• Why CMYK Matters for Gel Plate Transfers:
Printing your images in CMYK increases the amount of toner on the paper. This additional toner helps the image transfer more effectively onto the gel plate, especially in black-and-white prints where you can still use CMYK to boost contrast.

What is Halftone

Halftone is a printing technique that simulates gradients and shades by breaking images into small dots of varying sizes.

Instead of using continuous tones, halftone printing uses dots arranged in patterns to create the illusion of smooth transitions in light and shadow. The size, density, and spacing of these dots determine the perceived brightness or darkness of an area.
• Why Halftone Matters for Gel Plate Transfers:
Halftoning can increase the amount of toner applied during printing, making it more likely for fine details to transfer onto the gel plate. Additionally, the dot patterns can add texture and depth to your prints, enhancing the overall quality of your transfers.

Editing is key. I use Photoshop, but you could also use other apps even just the photo editing app on your phone to make sure that the resolution is good and that it is high contrast.

Understanding these techniques will help you achieve more vibrant and detailed prints in your gel plate projects.

Printers

I really don’t know much about different types of printers. But others in my comments have recommended the Canon 6030 or  Canon Pro 300 as a reasonable option. I use a combo copier printer called Triumph Adler.  It is not particularly great for art prints. It is a workhorse of a printer.

Canon Image Class MF424dw

Canon 6030 

Canon Pro 300

Brother HL-L2379DW monochrome 

Brother DCP-1612W

HP LaserJet MFP M227fdw

Troubleshooting Common Issues

This video takes you through more complex troubleshooting issues people have with image transfers.

Ready to Take Your Skills to the Next Level?

If you’re eager to learn even more about gel plate printmaking, sign up for the waitlist for my Gel Plate Printmaking Course!
This in-depth course will cover advanced techniques, layering strategies, and troubleshooting tips to help you master gel printmaking.

Reserve your spot now at: https://www.bluelavaartacademy.com/wait-list

Don’t miss out—this course is designed to take your prints from good to gallery-worthy!

Advanced Techniques

Bring your prints to the next level
magazine image transfer
Can you print on canvas?

Additional Resources

For more detailed tutorials and troubleshooting, check out my YouTube channel Gel Print Playlist

Join my YouTube Membership for exclusive content and access to my Gel Plate Handbook, which is filled with all my tips and tricks (Creative Collaborator Level).

Final Thoughts

Gel plate printmaking offers endless opportunities for creativity. With quality supplies, thoughtful layering, and a spirit of experimentation, you can achieve extraordinary results. For inspiration, tutorials, and more, follow me on Instagram and YouTube.

Happy printing!