Do you want to get more out of your Gel Press prints? With simple Gel Press techniques, you can create prints with more depth, texture and variation. Think of working with stencils, texture materials, ghost prints and multiple layers of colour. This turns a simple print into a unique background for cards, art journaling, scrapbooking and mixed media.

In this blog, you will discover creative techniques for Gel Press. We keep the basics short, so you mainly get inspiration to try out different effects. Would you first like to learn how to use the plate? View the instruction page: How to use Gel Press?

Gel Press techniques for beginners

Even as a beginner, you can quickly create special results with Gel Press. You do not have to work perfectly: unexpected patterns, colour differences and leftover prints are exactly what make gel printing interesting.

Start with one technique at a time. For example, try a stencil first, then a texture material and then a second layer. This way, you discover step by step which effect you like best.

Popular Gel Press techniques are:

• Working with stencils;
• Creating texture with materials;
• Building up layers;
• Making ghost prints;
• Mixing colours on the plate;
• Combining prints with stamps or paper layers.

Working with stencils on a Gel Press plate

Stencils are ideal for adding clear patterns to your Gel Press prints. Place the stencil on the paint layer and then make a print on paper. The stencil pattern remains visible in the print, helping you quickly create a decorative background.

You can use stencils for cards, labels, art journal pages and scrapbook layouts. A fine pattern adds subtle details, while a large stencil creates a striking background.

Want to add an extra effect? After removing the stencil, make a second print with the paint that remains on the Gel Press plate. This print is often softer and can work beautifully as a background layer.

Creating texture with materials

Texture is one of the most fun ways to experiment with Gel Press. By pressing materials into the paint layer, you create patterns that you can then print onto paper. You can use all kinds of creative and everyday materials for this.

Think, for example, of:

• Leaves;
• Lace;
• Thread or twine;
• Bubble wrap;
• Corrugated cardboard;
• Mesh;
• Stencils;
• Stamps;
• Textured paper.

Gently press the material into the paint layer and remove it again before making the print. This keeps the texture visible in your print. Do not press too hard, so the paint does not shift completely.

Building up layers with Gel Press

By working in layers, Gel Press prints gain more depth. You start with a base print and then add a new colour, a stencil pattern or a texture layer. Each layer makes the print more interesting.

Let the first print dry well before adding a new layer. This prevents the colours from blending too much. Do you prefer a softer, blended effect? Then you can work over the previous layer more quickly.

Layers are especially beautiful for:

• Mixed media backgrounds;
• Art journal pages;
• Scrapbook paper;
• Abstract cards;
• Collage paper;
• Decorative paper details.

Do not use too many busy layers on top of each other. Alternate striking patterns with calmer colour areas, so your print stays balanced.

What is a ghost print?

A ghost print is a second, lighter print made with the paint that remains on the Gel Press plate after the first print. This print is often more subtle, softer and less opaque than the first print.

Ghost prints are perfect as backgrounds for cards, art journaling and mixed media. They are often less busy, making it easy to stamp, write or add extra layers on top.

Sometimes the ghost print is even more beautiful than the first print. So do not throw away leftover paint straight away, but always make an extra print. This helps you get more out of your paint layer and build up a small collection of unique paper at the same time.

Combining colours in gel printing

Colour has a big influence on the result of your Gel Press print. You can work with colours that are close together for a calm background, or use contrasting colours for a striking effect.

For beginners, it is useful to start with two or three colours. This helps you stay in control of the result and prevents the print from becoming too busy. Roll the colours lightly together with a brayer, but do not mix them completely if you want to keep colour gradients and variation.

Beautiful combinations include:

• Soft pastel shades for calm backgrounds;
• Blue and green for botanical prints;
• Pink, orange and yellow for warm effects;
• Black or dark blue as a contrast layer;
• Neutral shades with one bright accent colour.

Would you like to know more about types of paint and choosing materials? Then read the blog Which paint do you use for Gel Press?

Combining Gel Press prints with other techniques

A Gel Press print does not have to be the final result. You can continue working on the print with stamps, dies, markers, ink, pens or collage elements. This makes Gel Press a great fit for different creative hobbies.

Use a print, for example, as a background for a handmade card, as a base page in an art journal or as decorative paper in a scrapbook. You can also cut or tear small pieces from your print and use them as accents.

For more project ideas, continue reading the blog Gel Press ideas for cards, art journaling and scrapbooking.

Common mistakes with Gel Press techniques

Using too much paint

For techniques with stencils and texture, a thin paint layer often works best. Too much paint can cause details to disappear or patterns to become less sharp.

Using too many techniques at once

Combining stencils, texture, layers and colours is fun, but too much at once can look busy. Start simple and add one extra technique at a time.

Forgetting the ghost print

After the first print, paint often remains on the plate. Always make a second print with it. Ghost prints are often very useful as subtle backgrounds.

Leaving no calm areas

A print with only busy patterns can be difficult to use. Leave some calmer areas visible too, so you have space later for stamps, text or decoration.

Frequently asked questions about Gel Press techniques

Which Gel Press technique is suitable for beginners?

Working with stencils is a good technique for beginners. You quickly get a clear pattern and can then easily experiment with extra colours, texture or layers.

How do you use stencils with Gel Press?

Place a stencil on the paint layer of the Gel Press plate and make a print on paper. Then remove the stencil and, if desired, make a second print with the paint that remains.

What can you use for texture on Gel Press?

For texture, you can use materials such as leaves, lace, thread, bubble wrap, corrugated cardboard, stamps or textured paper. Gently press them into the paint layer before making the print.

What is a ghost print with Gel Press?

A ghost print is a second, lighter print made with the paint that remains on the Gel Press plate after the first print. This print is often subtle and suitable as a background.

How do you make layers with Gel Press?

Let the first Gel Press print dry and then add a new colour, stencil or texture. By combining multiple layers, you create more depth in your print.

What do you use Gel Press prints with techniques for?

Gel Press prints with stencils, texture and layers can be used for cards, art journaling, scrapbooking, collage, mixed media and decorative paper projects.

Get started with Gel Press techniques

With Gel Press techniques such as stencils, texture, ghost prints and layers, you can turn every print into something unique. Start simple, experiment with different materials and discover which effects best suit your creative style.

View the Gel Press products at Vaessen Creative and combine them with stencils, brayers, paint and paper to create your own special gel printing backgrounds.