Mono printing with a gel plate and brayer is a fun and versatile technique in printmaking.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Supplies
-Gel Plate
-Brayer/Roller/Acrylic paints
-Paper
(preferably thick and suitable for printmaking like copy paper). Once you have mastered the technique add vintage papers, rice paper, wrapping paper and more.
-Palette or disposable plate for paints
-Stencils, texture tools, mark-making tools
Everyday items such as credit cards, combs, cardboard from toilet paper and paper towels, food wrap all make great tools.
About Acrylic Paint
When it comes to gelli printing, the best type of paint to use is acrylic paint. Acrylic paint is versatile, dries quickly, and adheres well to the gel plate surface, allowing for crisp and vibrant prints. Here are some reasons why acrylic paint is commonly preferred for gelli printing:
Consistency
Acrylic paint typically has a smooth consistency that spreads easily on the gel plate with a brayer, allowing for even coverage.
Opacity
Acrylic paint offers good opacity, meaning that it provides solid coverage on the gel plate and transfers well onto paper, resulting in clear and defined prints.
Drying Time
Acrylic paint dries relatively quickly, which is beneficial for gelli printing as it allows you to create multiple layers or prints without waiting for extended periods between layers.
Adhesion
Acrylic paint adheres well to the gel plate surface, ensuring that the paint transfers smoothly onto paper during printing without smudging or smearing.
Variety of Colors
Acrylic paint comes in a wide range of colors and finishes, including matte, satin, and metallic, allowing you to experiment and create diverse prints.
Mixing Possibilities
Acrylic paint can be easily mixed to create custom colors, gradients, and effects, giving you flexibility and control over your gelli printing projects.
Prepare Your Workspace
-Cover your work surface with newspaper or a plastic tablecloth to protect it from paint splatters.
-Have your materials within reach for easy access during the printing process.
-Prepare the Gel Plate. Peel off the protective sheet on the front and back of your plate and keep it on hand to protect your plate while it is stored.
-Squeeze a small amount of acrylic paint onto your palette or disposable plate. You can start with one or multiple colors depending on your design. ***It is best to start with the most transparent colors and add layers using the more opaque.
-Create Your Design. Once the gel plate is covered with paint, you can start creating your design. You can use various techniques such as drawing directly onto the gel plate with a blunt tool or the end of the brayer, pressing objects onto the paint surface to create textures, using stencils to add intricate patterns, experimenting with different mark-making tools for unique effects.
Once you're satisfied with your design, place a piece of paper gently onto the gel plate. Be careful not to shift the paper once it's in place to avoid smudging the print.
-Press down evenly on the back of the paper with your hands or a clean brayer to transfer the paint from the gel plate to the paper.
-Wait. It will take a couple of minutes for the paint to adhere to the paper. Peel Off the Print -Carefully lift one corner of the paper to check if the print has transferred completely. -
-Once you're confident that the print has transferred, carefully peel the paper off the gel plate to reveal your monoprint.
Repeat or Add Layers
You can repeat the printing process with the same design or create layered prints by adding more paint and designs to the gel plate between each print. Remember to work up to the ***opaque colors as your final layer. If you have 3 layers, it is recommended that you use semi transparent as a second layer. Once you have practiced and get more comfortable, you will mix paints but for best results in the beginning, it is good to follow this guideline.
Clean Up
After you've finished printing, clean the gel plate and brayer with water and a soft cloth or paper towel. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the gel plate. A spray bottle or bottle of alcohol are handy tools to keep next to you for quick clean as you print.
Experiment and Have Fun Mono printing with a gel plate is all about experimentation and creativity. Don't be afraid to try new techniques, mix colors, and explore different materials to create unique prints. It may take you a bit of practice to get the hang of it.
Enjoy your works of art as is or use them in collage, gift tags, art journals and other mix media projects.
***How will you know if a paint is transparent or opaque? If the paint is not labeled then look for the small square on the tube or bottle. -A solid square or rectangle typically represents opaque paint. -A square or rectangle with diagonal lines inside may indicate semi-opaque or semi-transparent paint. -A clear square or rectangle suggests transparent or translucent paint.
Shop for Gelplates, kits and other supplies here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheArtsyAtelier?ref=dashboard-header§ion_id=45707158
You will find lots of video tutorials here: https://www.youtube.com/user/GelliArts/videos