What Is Gel Printing? The Beginner's Guide

Key Highlights

Gel printing is a fun way to try printmaking. It is easy to do, so beginners can get started.
To begin, you need a flexible gel plate, some acrylic paints, and a brayer. The brayer helps you spread the color on the gel.
You make new designs when you add several layers of paint on the gel plate. You can use different materials to add textures.
This printing style is simple. You do not need to use a press. You can do it right at home.
The beautiful prints you make are great as artwork. You can use them alone, in collage, or in your art journals.
When you try different materials, you get so many creative options. You can keep exploring and finding new ways to use gel printing.

Introduction

Have you ever wanted to make bright and different artwork but felt you did not have the skills or the right tools for it? The world of gel printing could be what you are looking for! This fun type of monoprint printmaking is also called gelli plate printing. It lets you use a gelli plate to print bold, lively images with its easy way of printing. With gel and paint, you get a chance to turn a simple piece of paper into new and creative artwork. Anyone can try gel printing, no matter if you are used to making art or you are just getting started. Gel printing is a good way to try new colors and patterns and enjoy how every print feels a bit different.

Understanding Gel Printing: An Overview

Gel printing is a kind of mono printing. It uses a soft, gelatin-like plate called a gel plate to make prints on paper. This way of printmaking is easy and good for people who are new to printing. The magic starts when you put acrylic paints on the gel plate. Then you take the design up with paper. This makes gel printing a great way for beginners to enjoy printing and work with acrylic paints.

One of the first things you will know is how much paint you need. A small amount of paint can really be enough. This guide will help you with all you want to know about this way of painting. It will talk about its history and show you how it works.

What is Gel Printing in Art and Crafts?

In art and crafts, gel printing is a well-known printmaking method. It lets you make special, one-of-a-kind prints. You do this using a soft and reusable gelli plate. The gelli plate feels a lot like gelatin, which is where gel printing gets its name. This is the main thing that makes gel printing fun and different from other ways of printing.

Unlike old ways of printmaking that often need you to carve wood or linoleum, gel printing works in a different way. Here, you put paint on the gel, then make textures on it, and lift your design off after that. This way of printing is very easy to try, and you can start right away. Gel printing lets you be quick and creative with your art.

Each time you make a gelli print, you get a surprise. The print is a single, special mark on a sheet of paper. No two gelli prints look the same. Each one be seen as original art. This is a good way to try new things without to feel worry about everything being perfect.

How Does Gel Printing Work?

So, how does this cool process happen? Gel printing starts by putting a little bit of acrylic paints on the gel plate. You use a brayer, which is a small roller, to roll the paint. This spreads it in a thin and smooth layer over the gel plate.

After you put on the paint, you can have fun and make many designs and feel by using different things. You can push stencils, leaves, bubble wrap, or other items into the wet paint. This will lift up some paint and help make new layers of paint. You can also draw in the paint with a soft tool. This lets you get creative and build cool and new layers of paint.

At the end, you put a piece of paper over the plate. You gently rub the back of the paper to make sure it touches all of the plate. Then, you peel the paper away. The paint moves from the plate to the paper, and you see your own print. This way is quick and simple. It also lets you play with color and design as much as you want.

The History and Evolution of Gel Printing Techniques

While gelli printing may seem like something new, it is linked to a long history in printmaking. The main idea of mono printing—where you get one special print—has been used for many years. People, especially artists, often want to make one-of-a-kind pictures. They have always loved to find new ways in printing. Gelli and gel plates just let you try some fun techniques for this kind of art.

The gel plate we use today comes from the old homemade gelatin plate. For many years, artists would make their own printing surfaces. They did this by mixing gelatin and water. These gelatin plates worked well but were easy to break. The plates also needed to stay cold in a fridge, so using and keeping them was not easy.

The move to the commercial gel plate, such as the ones from Gelli Arts, changed printing a lot. These gel plates are made from strong, long-lasting mineral oil-based polymer. They feel like gelatin but do not need any special storage. This idea has made gelli printing easier, longer-lasting, and more liked by people than before.

Exploring the Gel Plate: The Heart of Gel Printing

The gel plate is the main part of this creative process. Some people also call it a gelli plate. This soft and sensitive surface is what lets you do gel printing. A gel plate feels a bit like a gelatin plate, but it is stronger and you can use it again and again.

It has a special feel that helps it hold acrylics well and let them go onto paper in a smooth way. You can use the tool with many different materials to make cool textures and patterns. Let's see what this tool is all about and see how it is different from the older ones.

What is a Gelli Plate?

A gelli plate is a soft and bendy sheet made of a gel. You use it for printmaking. A gelli plate is made to last a long time. You can use it again and again, and it is easy to clean. A few brands that people like are Gelli Arts and Gel Press. A gelli plate from these brands is strong and does a great job for your printmaking. They can last for years and help you get good, clear prints when you use them.

The plate is made from a safe plastic that has mineral oil in it. This makes it feel a bit sticky to touch. The mix helps the plate hold paint. When you press it on paper, the paint comes off well.

To keep your gel plate in good shape, you need to take care of the surface of the gel plate and store it the right way. You should always use the original packaging for your gel plate. This case will help protect both sides of the plate from things like dust, dirt, and damage. If you do this, your future prints with the gel will turn out well.

How is a Gel Plate Made and Used?

Commercial gel plates are made of a man-made polymer that is safe and does not have any toxins. These plates also have mineral oil in them. The material works a lot like a traditional gelatin plate. But it is much stronger and lasts a lot longer. You do not have to put it in the fridge. You can also use the gel plate again and again.

In the past, people who made art would often make their own gelatin plate. They did this by mixing gelatin powder with water, then letting it get firm in a pan. You can still use this way to make a gelatin plate, but the plate will be soft and may break easily. It also does not last long. You have to keep it cold or it will not stay good.

To use a gel plate, you need to put acrylic paints or ink on the top of the gel. Use a brayer to spread the color. After that, you can make your design on the plate. Put a sheet of paper over it and press down to get the image. This is a simple way to do printmaking and does not need any press.

Gelatin vs. Commercial Gel Plates: Pros and Cons for Beginners

When you are new to this, you might ask if you should make your own gelatin plate or pick a store-bought gelli plate. For beginners, it is usually best to go with a commercial gelli plate. You can use it right away. A commercial gelli plate is strong and lasts a long time. It also gives you high quality prints every time.

Homemade gelatin plates can feel like a fun thing to try. But they are easy to break, last for a short time, and you must keep them cold. It can be hard to make these plates the right way too. This can make you feel upset if things go wrong. A gelli plate you buy can help you feel at ease and get better results with your art. A gelli plate helps you spend more time on the creative part and also see your art ideas turn out well, faster.

Keeping a clean surface is simple when you use a commercial plate. You just need soap and water to wash it. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Feature	Homemade Gelatin Plate	Commercial Gelli Plate
Durability	Fragile, tears easily, perishable.	Very durable, lasts for years.
Maintenance	Requires refrigeration, can grow mold.	Store at room temperature in original packaging.
Cost	Inexpensive to make initially.	Higher initial cost but long-term value.
Convenience	Time-consuming to prepare.	Ready to use immediately.
Print Quality	Inconsistent, can be lumpy.	Smooth surface provides high-quality, reliable results.

Essential Materials Needed to Start Gel Printing at Home

Getting started with gelli printing at home is easy and fun. You do not need many things to begin. You need a gel printing plate, some acrylic paints, a brayer, and paper. With these simple items, you can start making beautiful and special prints. Gelli printing is a great way to enjoy printing with gel and be creative.

When you feel more at ease, you can add different materials to your art supplies. You may use stencils, texture tools, and many kinds of papers. These things help you try out more ideas when you make art. Now, let's see which supplies are must-haves and which are just nice to have.

Gel Plate Types and Sizes

The first thing you need is a gel plate. You can try to make a homemade gelatin plate, but most people choose brands like Gelli Arts or Gel Press. These brands make gel plates that last a long time. The gel plates can be cleaned and used again, so they are a good buy for your art needs. A Gelli plate or a gelatin plate helps you get started with your creative work using gel.

Gelli plates are made in a range of sizes. You can find small 3x5 inch plates that work well for cards. There are also bigger 12x14 inch ones made for large projects. If you are new to using a gelli plate, you can start with a medium size, like the 8x10 inch plate. It gives you enough room to try out different ideas, and it won't feel like too much at first.

Some plates can be thicker, and this can help with stability. As you go along with this craft, you might like using plates in a few sizes for different projects. But at first, you only need one plate that is good quality.

Paints, Inks, and Mediums for Gel Printing

The color you choose will help your prints stand out. Most people use acrylic paints for gel printing. They are easy to find, cost less, and they come in many colors. You can clean them up with water, too. Heavy body acrylics have lots of color, so they look good in printing. But if you are a beginner, student-grade paints will work well.

You do not have to use only one kind of paint. You can try using other materials to get different effects. For example, water-based printing inks feel smooth. They can also be good for layering.

Some people use alcohol inks if they want bright and clear layers. The main thing is to try different things and find what works best for you. You can print on many surfaces, like standard copy paper, tissue paper, or watercolor paper. Here are some paints you might want to try:

Amsterdam Standard Series Acrylics
Pebeo Studio Acrylics
Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint
Golden Open Acrylics

These acrylics are good to use if you want colors that are bright and easy to mix. You can get strong and smooth results with the right acrylics. Each one will work well for both people who are new to painting and those with more practice. If you want to try something new, give these acrylics a go.

Brayers, Papers, and Mark Making Tools

A brayer is a tool you need when you want to spread paint on the surface of the gel plate. Use a soft rubber brayer, like the ones from Speedball, for best results. It glides over the gel so well and helps put a thin layer of paint on. This is important if you want your printmaking to be easy and your prints to come out clear.

You can begin with low-cost paper, like basic copy paper or deli paper. These thin kinds of paper work well for picking up details in printing and are great to use for collage. If you want to try more, you can start printing on thicker paper, such as cardstock or watercolor paper, or even try using fabric.

Mark-making tools help you show your creative side. You do not have to go out and buy special things. A lot of these tools are in your house already. You can use anything that has a cool feel and will not harm the plate. Here are some ideas:

Bubble wrap
Leaves and feathers
Stamps and stencils
The end of a pencil eraser
Corrugated cardboard

Optional Supplies: Stencils, Masks, and Texture Makers

When you know the basics, you can start to use other things to make your prints stand out. Things like stencils and masks are good if you want to add shapes and patterns. A stencil helps you add a pattern to your print. A mask will cover some parts so the color under it will stay the same.

Texture makers can help you give a new look to your work. You can use things you find every day to get cool effects. For example, press crumpled plastic wrap, lace, or string into the paint. This will make one-of-a-kind patterns. These textured papers are great to use as collage elements in other art and collage projects.

Sponges, and natural sea sponges in particular, are great for dabbing paint or picking it up to make soft, real-looking textures. There are many ways you can use sponges, and it can be fun to try out new things. Here are some top tools to make textures:

Bubble wrap comes in large and small bubbles.
You can use kitchen sponges but only the soft side.
Plastic takeout containers are good to use.
Silicone kitchen tools or texture combs will also work.

Beginner’s Guide: Setting Up Your Gel Printing Workspace

Having a spot just for gel printing can help you enjoy your time more and get more things done. You do not have to have a big studio for this. A kitchen table that is clear or a desk is enough. The main thing is to have a clean surface that is flat. Keep all your gel printing supplies close by so you can get to them easily when you start printing.

Before you start gel printing, put down some newspaper or a plastic tablecloth to keep your furniture safe. Gel printing can be messy. Keep a paper towel or a baby wipe next to you for easy clean-up. When you have things ready, you can get right to the fun part of printing your next gel print.

Choosing the Right Surface and Lighting

The surface you use is key for good gel printing. You need to put your gel plate on a flat, smooth, and clean surface. If there are any bumps or dirt under the plate, they will show up when printing with gel. A piece of glass, a craft mat, or a clean table can give you that clean surface. All of these work well for your gel printing.

Good lighting is very important. When you work in a bright place, you can see your colors clearly. You also notice the small details and feel of your work. It is best if you can use natural daylight. But a good desk lamp will work too.

In the end, it is important to have a setup that is both comfy and works well. This will help you get better results with printing. When you can see everything in front of you, and your plate does not move, you do not have to worry about problems. You can put your time and energy into the fun side of printing, not on issues that slow you down.

Organizing Materials for Easy Access

Gel printing moves fast, so you should have your things set up before you start. Make sure all of your tools for printing are out and ready to go. This will help your gel printing go much better. Before you put any paint on the gel, take a minute to get everything you want to use in place.

Put your paints, brayer, paper, and any texture tools or stencils close by. Make sure you can reach all of them. Keep a pile of clean paper next to you for printing. You should also have a space set aside for your finished prints to dry. A roll of paper towel or a box of baby wipes works well to clean your brayer and your hands.

This way of getting ready helps you stay in the creative flow. You do not have to stop and look for a tool. When gel printing turns into one of your favorite art forms, you will find a setup that is good for you. You can use it if you print for collage elements or make single pieces.

Safety Tips and Clean-up Essentials

One thing I like about gel printing with acrylics and water-based ink is how easy it is to clean up. These paints are not harmful. You do not have to use strong cleaners for your tools or space. Just make sure you keep everything clean so your tools will last longer. This will help you enjoy gel printing again and again.

To clean your gel plate, you can use a baby wipe or spray some water and use a paper towel. This is good to do when you move from one print to the next. If you want to give the gel plate a deep clean after you finish, use some mild soap and warm water. Wash it softly with your hands or a soft sponge. Be sure to rinse it well and then pat it dry.

It is good to keep a clean surface when you work. This will help you avoid any mess or damage. You should also store your plate in the right way. This keeps it safe from harm. Here are some things you will need for cleanup:

You can use baby wipes, and the best kind are the ones made for sensitive skin because they have less oil.
You will need some paper towels or soft cloths.
You need mild soap and water too.
Get a container or bin for the soapy water.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your First Gel Print

Get ready to do your first print. This guide is here to help beginners. It will take you through all the steps you need to start gel printing. The best way to have a good time with gel printing is to keep it simple at first. You do not need to worry about making something great right away. Focus on learning how printing works and have fun as you try it.

We will begin by getting the gelli plate ready. Then, we will put a thin layer of acrylic paint on it. After that, we will pull a print. Once you feel good about the basics, you can start to try out layers of paint and new textures on your gelli plate. Let's get started!

Step 1: Preparing Your Gel Plate and Supplies

First, get your work area ready. Put down something to protect the table. Get all your things together. You will need your gelli plate, some paints, a brayer, and paper. If you do this setup now, you can use your gelli plate and brayer without any stops later.

Take your gel plate out of its box and put it on a flat, clean surface. You will see there are two clear sheets of plastic that cover the gel plate. Take off the top one so you can use the printing side of the gel. Keep both plastic sheets because they are good for putting back on the gel plate when you are done.

Make sure your brayer is clean and dry. Then, pick a few paint colors you want to use. Having all these things ready will help make the process easy and fun. Now, you are ready to start creating!

Step 2: Applying Paint or Ink to the Plate

Now comes the fun step: it is time to add color to the gel plate. Put a few small dots of paint right on top of the gel plate. A lot of beginners use too much paint at first, but that can make the print messy and cause it to slide around. Just begin with three to five dots of paint, each one about the size of a dime. If you feel you do not have enough, you can always add more later.

Take your brayer and roll it over the dots of paint. This will help spread them out on the plate. You should lift and roll the brayer in different ways. Move it up and down. Then go side to side. This way, you get a thin and even layer. The goal is to have a smooth coat of color on all the area you want to print.

If you see that there is too much paint on your plate, you can take your brayer and roll the extra paint off onto a piece of paper. This "brayer-off" piece of paper might even turn into its own fun piece of art. When you make thin layers of paint, you get better details in your work.

Step 3: Creating Patterns with Tools and Found Objects

With your plate covered in paint, you can now start making patterns. Try different tools and other things you have to add texture. Press one of these items softly on the paint. This will pull some paint off. You can also drag a tool through the paint to make lines.

Be sure to use soft tools so you do not scratch or damage your plate. If there are any marks that stay on the plate, they will show up in every future print you make. Try out different tools to see what kinds of marks they leave. You will get the best results and clear lines when the paint layer is thin.

If you see that your prints are not clear, you might have too much paint on the plate. You can try pulling one print to get rid of the extra paint, then start again. Here are some ideas to help you make patterns:

Press stencils or masks on the plate.
Use bubble wrap to make a nice dot pattern.
Drag a texture comb or the teeth of a plastic fork through the paint.
Gently press things like leaves, lace, or string into the top.
Use silicone brushes or a pencil eraser to make your own designs.

Step 4: Laying Down Paper and Pulling Your Print

When you feel good about the design on your plate, you are ready to pull your print. Get a sheet of paper and gently put it on top of the painted side. Try to place it straight and even, for the best look. This is important if you want to put on more layers later.

Use your hands to lightly but firmly rub the back of the paper. This helps the paper touch the plate well, so the paint moves over in a smooth way. You may feel a bit of stickiness. If the paper moves or slides, you have used too much paint.

To see your gelli print, start by lifting the paper from one corner. Slowly pull the paper off the gelli plate. This step is one of the best parts of printmaking. You will feel a little pull as you go. That means you used the right amount of paint. Take some time to look at your gelli print. Every print you make is special.

Step 5: Experimenting with Layers and Colors

Your first gel print is just the start. There is so much more you can do in gel printing. The fun part comes when you play around with colors and use layers. Let the first printing dry. Then you can add another color on top. Just do the same steps again for each layer.

Don’t clean your plate right away! When you take a print, you may see a light image left behind on the plate. You can use this to make what people call ghost prints. Just put a different color on top of the paint that is still there and then pull another print. Ghost prints look soft and have a nice, gentle feel.

Try mixing the colors right on the plate. This can help make nice gradients. You can use your prints as a starting point for your other art too. You can cut them up to use as collage elements, or you can draw on top of them. There are no set rules for this. So, have fun and see what beautiful prints you can make for your collage or any other art you want.

Conclusion

To sum up, gel printing is a fun way for the beginner or an artist to get creative. Gel printing uses special ways and easy-to-find items. You can make prints that show off your own style. You can work with many colors, patterns, or surfaces. The best thing about gel printing is that it can be done in so many ways and you can always find new things to try. A good idea is to set up your workspace, read the guide step by step, and start making your art. Gather everything you need and let your creative side take over. Start gel printing today and see what you can make. If you have a question or need help with printing, feel free to ask for support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can gel printing be done on fabric, and if so, how?

Yes, you can do gel printing on fabric and get great results! To get the best results, use fabric paint or mix in a textile medium with acrylic paints. This will help your design stay on and be washable. Put your fabric on the gelli plate, press it down well, and pull it back up. You will see beautiful prints from gel printing on your fabric with the gelli plate.

What types of designs can I create with gel printing?

With gelli printing, you can make many kinds of designs. You can do textural layers that look abstract, or you can use stencils to create clear patterns. Since gelli printing is a type of mono printing, each print is one of a kind. By trying out different tools and ways to do it, you can get different effects for backgrounds, collage papers, or even detailed and layered artwork.

Do I need a printing press to do gel printing?

No, you do not need a printing press for gelli plate printing. This is one of its biggest advantages. You only need your hands to press the image from the gelli plate onto a piece of paper. A brayer will help spread the paint well, but you do all the printmaking with your hands.

Where can I find inspiration or tutorials for gel printing?

Inspiration for gel printing can be found everywhere. You can go to websites like YouTube and Pinterest for many tutorials. The Gelli Arts blog and their social media pages have great ideas for you to try. You can also find color and pattern ideas from magazines, nature, or other artwork. A lot of these supplies for gel printing are easy to get on Amazon.

How does gel printing work?

Gel printing is easy to do. First, you use a brayer to spread a thin layer of paint on the gelli plate. Next, make your design in the paint. Then, press the paper onto the plate so it picks up the image. This is a simple way of printmaking. You move your design from the gelli plate to the paper.

What do you need for gelli printing?

To begin gelli printing, you need a few basic things. Get a gel printing plate, some acrylic paints, a brayer for rolling the paint, and paper. As you practice gelli printing more, you can add some extra tools, like stencils and stamps. You may also want to try other objects that can make different textures. This will help you make new and fun designs with your gel printing.

Is gelli plate printing easy for beginners?

Yes, gelli plate printing is very easy for beginners. Gelli plate is a type of mono printing that is easy to do, even if you do not have drawing skills. You just need to spread paint on the surface of the gel plate and then make your print. The process is simple, and there is always a bit of surprise at how your work turns out. This makes it fun for all people, no matter how much experience they have with printing or using a gelli plate.

December 26, 2025 — Ben Tiffany

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What is Gel Printing? A Beginner's Complete Guide