Would you like to get started with Gel Press? Then choosing the right paint is important for a beautiful print. Acrylic paint is especially popular on a Gel Press plate, because it is easy to spread, transfers colour well and is suitable for clear prints on paper. Besides acrylic paint, you can also experiment with ink and other creative materials.

In this blog, you will learn which paint to use for Gel Press, how much paint you need and which materials are useful for gel printing. Would you first like to know how the technique works? Read the instruction page: How to use Gel Press?

Which paint works well on a Gel Press plate?

For Gel Press, paint works best when it is easy to spread and does not dry too quickly. A thin, even layer usually gives the best result. That is why acrylic paint is a popular choice for gel printing.

Acrylic paint is available in many colours, mixes easily and often creates bright prints. This makes it suitable for beginners as well as experienced makers who want to create backgrounds, monoprints and decorative paper.

Preferably use paint that is not too thick. If your paint is very firm or pasty, it can be harder to create an even layer with a brayer. A layer that is too thick can also make details from stencils or texture materials less visible.

Gel Press with acrylic paint

Gel Press and acrylic paint are a great combination for colourful prints. Apply a small amount of paint to the Gel Press plate and spread it with a brayer. Then place paper on the plate to make the print.

Acrylic paint is especially suitable for:

• Clear Gel Press prints;
• Colourful backgrounds;
• Monoprints on paper;
• Mixed media projects;
• Art journaling;
• Card making;
• Scrapbooking.

For beginners, it is useful to start with one or two colours of acrylic paint. This helps you see how the paint spreads and how the print appears on paper. Later, you can combine more colours for extra depth and variation.

Can you use ink on Gel Press?

Besides acrylic paint, you can also experiment with ink on Gel Press. Ink can create more subtle effects, transparent layers or different colour results than paint. The result depends on the type of ink, the amount you use and the paper you choose.

Because ink is often thinner than acrylic paint, it can react differently on the Gel Press plate. Always test it on a small piece of paper first. This will help you discover the effect the ink creates and whether the result suits your project.

Use ink especially when you want to make lighter, finer or more transparent prints. For clear, opaque prints, acrylic paint is usually the most accessible choice.

How much paint do you use on a Gel Press plate?

With Gel Press, you need less paint than you might think. A small amount is often enough to create a beautiful print. Spread the paint with a brayer until there is a thin, even layer on the plate.

If you use too much paint, your print may become less sharp. Details from stencils, stamps or texture materials can disappear into the thick paint layer. That is why it is best to start with a little paint and add more only if needed.

A useful guideline: the paint layer should be visible, but not so thick that blobs or streaks remain. The brayer should roll smoothly over the Gel Press plate without pushing the paint around.

Which brayer do you use for Gel Press?

A brayer is almost essential for Gel Press. With this paint roller, you spread paint or ink evenly over the gel printing plate. This gives you a smooth base layer and helps you control how much paint you use.

For most Gel Press projects, a smooth brayer is suitable. It helps you roll out the paint evenly without leaving too much texture. Clean the brayer in between when you change colour or when too much paint remains on it.

A brayer is especially useful for:

• Spreading paint evenly;
• Mixing colours on the plate;
• Creating thin paint layers;
• Building up backgrounds;
• Working with acrylic paint on Gel Press.

Which paper do you use for gel printing?

The paper you use has a big influence on your Gel Press print. Sturdy paper, cardstock and mixed media paper are good choices because they can absorb paint better than thin paper.

For simple prints, you can start with smooth paper or sturdy cardstock. If you want to continue working with paint, ink or other materials afterwards, mixed media paper is useful. This paper is often stronger and better suited to multiple layers.

You can use Gel Press prints on:

• Cardstock;
• Mixed media paper;
• Watercolour paper;
• Kraft paper;
• Thin paper for collage;
• Scrapbook paper;
• Labels and tags.

Test different types of paper to discover which effect you like best. Smooth paper often gives a different result than textured paper.

Combining materials with Gel Press

Besides paint, a brayer and paper, you can combine Gel Press with different creative materials. Think of stencils, stamps, leaves, lace, bubble wrap, templates or other materials that leave texture behind.

In this blog, we focus on choosing materials. Would you like to learn more about creative effects such as stencils, texture, ghost prints and layers? Then read the blog Gel Press techniques with stencils, texture and layers.

Useful materials for Gel Press are:

• Acrylic paint;
• Ink;
• Brayer;
• Cardstock;
• Mixed media paper;
• Texture materials;
• Kitchen paper or a damp cloth;
• Craft mat or protective mat.

By combining different materials, you can create new prints every time. This keeps gel printing surprising and suitable for many types of paper craft projects.

Which paint should you choose as a beginner?

If you are just starting with Gel Press, choose acrylic paint in a few basic colours. This allows you to practise with colour, layer thickness and print results. For example, start with two colours that work well together and add extra shades later.

Choose paint that is easy to roll out with a brayer. This prevents the paint from staying too thick on the plate. For beginners, it is more important to learn how to work well with a thin paint layer than to use many different materials straight away.

Would you first like to understand the basics of gel printing? Then also read the blog What is gel printing and how do you get started?

Frequently asked questions about paint for Gel Press

Which paint do you use for Gel Press?

Acrylic paint is most commonly used for Gel Press. This paint is easy to spread with a brayer, creates clear prints and is suitable for cards, art journaling, scrapbooking and mixed media.

Can you use regular acrylic paint on Gel Press?

Yes, regular acrylic paint is suitable for Gel Press. Use a thin layer and spread the paint well with a brayer for a beautiful print.

How much acrylic paint do you need for Gel Press?

You only need a small amount of acrylic paint. Start with a little paint and roll it out thinly. Too much paint can make details less visible.

Can you use ink on a Gel Press plate?

Yes, you can also use ink on Gel Press. Ink often creates a different, sometimes more subtle effect than acrylic paint. Always test first to see what result the ink gives on your paper.

Which paper is suitable for Gel Press?

Cardstock, mixed media paper and sturdy paper are good choices for Gel Press. These types of paper can absorb paint better and are suitable for creative paper craft projects.

Do you need a brayer for Gel Press?

A brayer is highly recommended. It allows you to spread paint or ink evenly over the Gel Press plate, giving you more beautiful and better controlled prints.

Get started with Gel Press and acrylic paint

With the right paint and materials, you can get a lot out of your Gel Press plate. Acrylic paint, a brayer and sturdy paper form a good base for beginners. After that, you can expand with ink, stencils, stamps and mixed media materials.

View the Gel Press products at Vaessen Creative and combine them with acrylic paint, brayers, stencils and paper to make your own unique prints.