Gelli plate, gel plate or jelly plate: what is the difference?

Gelli plate, gel plate, gelplate, jelly plate… when you first start gel printing, you will quickly come across several different names. Fortunately, it is less complicated than it might seem. These terms generally refer to the same type of creative material: a soft, reusable printing plate that allows you to create unique prints with paint.

The term gelli plate is one of the most commonly used. Gel plate is the general English term, while gelplate is sometimes written as one word. You may also come across the term jelly plate. The names may vary, but the principle is the same: you apply paint to a flexible plate and use it to make a print on paper.

In this blog, we explain what the different names mean, how a gel plate works and what you can create with one.

Gelli plate, gel plate, gelplate and jelly plate at a glance

In short: gelli plate, gel plate, gelplate and jelly plate generally refer to the same type of creative printing plate. Gel Press is a brand that makes these plates.

What is a gelli plate?

A gelli plate is a soft, flexible plate onto which you roll paint to create prints. You do not need a printing press. Using a roller, also known as a brayer, you spread a thin layer of paint across the plate. You can then add textures and patterns before placing paper on top.

When you lift the paper from the plate, the paint transfers to the paper and your print appears.

Every print is slightly different. That is why this technique is also known as monoprinting. You can experiment with colours, layers, stencils, leaves, stamps and all kinds of textured materials.

For many creative makers, the term gelli plate has become very familiar. Officially, Gelli Plate is associated with the Gelli Arts brand, but for the technique itself you can also simply use the term gel plate.

What is a gel plate?

A gel plate is simply a flexible printing plate that allows you to transfer paint and patterns onto paper.

You roll paint over the plate, create a pattern in it and then press paper against the surface. As soon as you lift the paper, the print is revealed.

This makes gel printing very accessible. You do not need to be good at drawing or painting, and no printing press is required. In fact, some of the most interesting results come from experimenting.

You can use gel plate prints for

• cards and card backgrounds;
• scrapbook pages;
• art journals;
• collage papers;
• labels and tags;
• mixed media projects;
• handmade patterned paper;
• abstract artworks.

Is a gelplate the same as a gel plate?

Yes. Gelplate and gel plate are used for the same material. The only difference is the spelling.

Gel plate is written as two words and is the standard English term. Gelplate is also sometimes written as one word.

Whichever name you use, it refers to the flexible plate onto which you apply paint to create monoprints.

Is a jelly plate the same as a gelli plate?

The term jelly plate is also generally used to describe a gel printing plate. The name refers to the soft, slightly jelly-like feel of the plate.

The material and exact composition may differ between brands, but for you as a creative maker, the most important thing is what the plate is designed for: applying paint, creating texture and producing a unique print on paper.

What is the difference between a gelli plate and Gel Press?

This can sometimes cause confusion, but the difference is actually quite simple.

Gelli Plate was originally the product name of another brand. Gel Press is a brand that also produces reusable gel plates. Both types of plate can be used for the same creative technique: gel printing or monoprinting.

The brand may therefore differ, but the way you use the plates is largely the same.

At Vaessen Creative, you can find Gel Press plates in a variety of shapes and sizes. View our range under Shop Gel Press.

How does a gelli plate or gel plate work?

Gel printing does not have to be complicated. The basics consist of just a few simple steps.

First, apply a small amount of paint to the gel plate. Use a brayer to roll it out into a thin, even layer.

Then comes the creative part. Place a stencil on the plate, press a leaf into the paint or create texture with a stamp or another textured material.

Next, place a sheet of paper onto the gel plate and gently rub over it. Peel the paper away and your first print is ready.

No print needs to be perfect. Small differences, unexpected textures and colours blending into one another are exactly what make gel printing so much fun.

Trying the technique for the first time? In Gel Press for beginners, we explain the entire process step by step.

What can you make with a gel plate?

A gel plate can be used for many different creative projects.

For example, create a colourful background for a card. Build up several layers to make unique scrapbook paper or create a stack of prints that you can later cut into pieces for collages and art journals.

Stencils allow you to create clearly defined shapes and patterns, while leaves, flowers, lace and other materials produce more organic textures.

You also do not have to complete a print in one go. Let one layer dry and add another colour or texture later. This allows you to gradually build up an increasingly interesting print.

What paint should you use on a gelli plate?

Acrylic paint is one of the most popular types of paint for gel printing. It spreads easily across the gel plate with a brayer and is available in a wide range of colours.
⁠You usually only need a small amount. A thin layer of paint often produces a clearer print than a thick layer.
⁠Depending on your gel plate, you may also be able to use other suitable paints or inks. Always check the manufacturer's instructions for your particular plate.

Want to know which types of paint are suitable and what effects they create? Read Which paint should you use for Gel Press?

Creating patterns and textures on a gel plate

Once you have made a few basic prints, you can start experimenting.

For example, place a stencil in the paint before taking a print. Gently press leaves, thread, lace or other materials into the paint to create texture. Stamps and different colours can also create surprising effects.

After your first print, some paint may remain on the plate. If you make another print from this, you often get a softer second impression. This is known as a ghost print.

Want to discover more techniques? Take a look at our Gel Press techniques for inspiration using stencils, textures, layers and ghost prints.

Which gel plate is right for you?

Gel plates are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. The best size for you mainly depends on what you want to make.

A compact plate is ideal for cards, labels and small decorations. If you enjoy creating scrapbook pages, art journal backgrounds or larger prints, a larger size gives you more space to work.

In addition to rectangular and square plates, there are also round shapes and smaller gel plates that allow you to print specific shapes directly.

Consider your favourite creative projects and the paper sizes you use most often.

Buying a gelli plate or gel plate

Want to start gel printing yourself? You only need a few basic materials: a gel plate, a brayer, paint and paper.

When choosing a gel plate, pay particular attention to its shape and size. A small plate works well for cards and compact prints, while a larger plate offers more possibilities for art journalling, scrapbooking and mixed media.

At Vaessen Creative, you can find various reusable Gel Press plates. Explore the different sizes and shapes under Shop Gel Press.

How do you clean a gel plate?

After a creative session, small amounts of paint or paper may remain on your gel plate. These can often be removed easily and gently.

The best cleaning method can differ between brands. Always follow the care instructions supplied with your gel plate and avoid using sharp objects that could damage the surface.

Using a Gel Press? Read our detailed tips on cleaning and storing your Gel Press.

Frequently asked questions about gelli plates and gel plates

What is a gelli plate?

A gelli plate is a soft, flexible printing plate that allows you to print paint onto paper without a printing press. You can combine colours, stencils and different textures to create unique monoprints.

Is a gelplate the same as a gelli plate?

In everyday use, gelplate generally refers to the same type of creative material. Gelli Plate was originally a product name, while gel plate is the more general term.

What is a gel plate?

A gel plate is a flexible plate used for gel printing. You apply paint to the plate, add patterns or textures if desired and then press paper onto it to create a print.

What is the difference between a gelli plate and a gel plate?

There is no significant difference when it comes to the technique. Gelli Plate was originally a product name, while gel plate is the general English term for this type of printing plate.

Is a jelly plate the same thing?

Jelly plate generally refers to the same type of soft printing plate. It is an alternative name sometimes used for a plate designed for making gel prints.

What is the difference between a gelli plate and Gel Press?

The main difference is the brand. Both are gel printing plates that work according to the same principle of gel printing and monoprinting.

Do you need a printing press?

No. You press the paper onto the gel plate using your hands, making it easy to start gel printing at home.

Can you use acrylic paint on a gel plate?

Yes. Acrylic paint is widely used for gel printing. For the best results, apply a thin layer and spread it evenly with a brayer.

What can you make with a gel plate?

You can create cards, art journal pages, scrapbook paper, collage paper, mixed media backgrounds and individual art prints, among many other projects.

Start creating with a gel plate

Whether you know it as a gelli plate, gel plate, gelplate or jelly plate, this soft printing plate allows you to experiment endlessly with paint, colour and texture.

Start with a thin layer of paint and a simple pattern, then see what happens when you combine stencils, different colours and multiple layers. Every print is different, and that is exactly what makes gel printing so enjoyable.

Ready for more inspiration? Discover our Gel Press ideas for cards, art journalling and scrapbooking and learn more about what gel printing is and how to get started.