Gel Press - Printing Techniques - How to Use a Gel Plate To Build Layers

Gel Press at the ready! Let's do some gel plate printing! I've got lots of handy printing techniques to help you build layers and texture in your next Gel Press printing session. For all the products and links to other handy videos click the 'Show More' triangle button.

You can use these printing techniques on any sort of gel plate or gelatin plate not just a Gel Press, so time to do some monoprinting!

I would love to see your work so please do link me in on social media anything you share that was inspired by my videos and projects, all my links are below.

And if you enjoy my videos please like them, share them with your friends and subscribe to my channel! Thank you!

——— S U P P L I E S ———
Gel Press and other monoprinting plates (I've used the 5x7 Gel Press today)
...Buy from Amazon:

Amsterdam Standard Acrylic Paint (Naples Yellow Red, Quinacridonerose Light)
...Buy from Amazon:

Amsterdam Acrylic Paint nozzles
...Buy from Amazon:

Pebeo Studio Acrylics Paint (irridescent, DNYA)
...Buy from Amazon:

Printer paper for the masks and stencils (basic and light weight)
...Buy from Amazon:

Paper to monoprint on
Fabriano Accademia Paper is great for printing as it is cheaper but if you can't find it then try other student art or drawing paper. You can also use the Strathmore Printmaking paper but it is more expensive.
...Buy from Amazon:

Plastic canvas (embroidery/ stitch)
...Buy from Amazon:

Brayers
...Buy from Amazon:

Bubble wrap

——— D I S C L A I M E R ———

——— VISIT MY SHOP ———

——— F I N D M E O N S O C I A L M E D I A ———

FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

[KimDellow]

Big thanks to @kreativekymona for the question and reminding me to link the series!

[janeorson]

I'm new to gel plate printing and am watching hundreds of videos, but this is by far the most inspiring I've seen!

[dawnesmith-sliming]

The thin cardboard packaging that IKEA uses in their flat pack boxes is my current favourite. Peel off one layer of thin cardboard to reveal a chain link/chicken wire type pattern. They come in so many shapes and sizes which is great for all the various gel plate sizes. The plastic trays that sit in boxes of commercially sold macarons (versus fresh from a bakery) have two different textures, one for each side. They are different but coordinate beautifully. Also, the very thin plastic-ish papers that sit between layers of chocolates or cookies/biscuits are wonderful. Just carefully peel one piece of paper off to reveal the texture. Works best with thicker, slower drying paints or work quickly with thinner paints.

[minnahumble]

I like bubble wrap, punchinella, kitchen shelf liner, homemade stamps with meat trays and sticky foam.

[robinalcorn]

When you asked what we use for texture I mentally answered needlepoint canvas, rug canvas and plastic needlepoint canvas. And then you picked up the plastic canvas and used it! Another grid texture I love is a mesh fruit bag. I framed a piece with masking tape so it holds its shape and makes diagonal pattern that's distinct but also slightly irregular. Another piece of the bag is not framed so it can simply be draped over the plate for a more distorted mesh texture, and whatever of the bag is left over can be wadded and dabbed on the plate.
I love watching you work. Your style is distinctive and I always feel happy after watching your videos. You inspire me to roll up my sleeves and make art!

[fluffyspit]

I’ve watched a few of your videos this evening and had to comment and say you’re a very good teacher Kim..thank you

[TheKazadoodle]

great session and video! For patterns/mark making some of the things I've used are egg cartons (the bottom part), embossing folders (I cut cardstock to size and then emboss the card stock and use those until they are no longer useable) and of course you can just use textured/embossed paper if you don't have embossing folders, feathers, leaves, buttons, bits of lace, string, six pack rings/yokes (I find those when I'm out and about walking the dog, some people are grubs!).

[susanholden]

Loved the heart in this video. So many looks!

[jade]

They are so pretty. I love my gel plates. Maybe since it has been grey and rainy all weekend, I'll break out the plates. TFS Kim. 💞

[chobensa]

You asked about fave mark-making tools. In addition to purchased supplies like stencils and silicone “nail brushes”, I’ve recently begun using (well-cleaned!) styrofoam meat trays (the things that come underneath meat in stores) which I texture with a stylus. Loose leaf patterns are my fave. They don’t last forever, but the patterns I’m getting, totally my own, are so worth the impermanence. BE CREATIVE! Watch lots of YouTube videos and think outside the box!!

[rish]

You could use texture plates .... or cake decorating tools also... they are good on the gel plate surface and works great plus there are so many options!
Love all your videos Kim... you have a fan in the UAE

[joya.]

Must get out my gel I plate and try some of your ideas. TFS.

[zenjen]

Thank you for the video, Kim. I love the techniques that you shared!

As someone who is new to gel printing and your channel, I especially appreciate that you share your supplies including the paper and paint nozzles. As I was watching your video, I found myself wondering where you found those super handy nozzles. Turns out, I didn't need to wonder any longer. 😊

Thank you for a very comprehensive video and details in comments. I was sure to like and subscribe. Looking forward to your future videos and catching up on what I've missed on your channel.

Best wishes,
Jen

[ruthm]

Another great video Kim, perfect tutorial about layering with the gel plate just love all the ♥️’s x

[deborahdettor]

Thank you for inspiring me to get my gel plate back out again! LOVE your prints! 😊🔆💕

[annefaint]

Thank you for some lovely ideas, I haven’t used my gelli plate for ages, must have a play, ,,,xxxx

[kiandra]

My first time here and I enjoyed every minute, thank you.

[Cyrilmc]

Kim I really love 💕 this. I’ve just been doing some leaf 🍁 prints, I really love 💕 ghost prints better. Thank you so much xxx Mags

[ChattylaineCreates]

I love the way you started off with not filling the whole plate with paint very abstract. I would like to do this but no gel plate next on my list I think.

[ellenvd]

Thanks so much for sharing! Very good ideas! I like to make my own designs. I have yupo-paper, from which i can cut out things. It stays good. (Its sort of plastic)