Instructions Gel Press

Do you want to learn how to use Gel Press? With a Gel Press plate, you can easily create unique prints, backgrounds and patterns with paint, ink, stencils and texture materials. This technique is also known as gel printing or monoprinting and is popular for mixed media, art journaling, card making, scrapbooking and other creative paper craft projects.

Gel Press is suitable for beginners as well as experienced makers. You do not need a printing press and every print is different. This allows you to experiment freely with colour, layers and textures.

In brief: using Gel Press

You use Gel Press by applying a thin layer of paint or ink to the gel printing plate, spreading it with a brayer and then pressing paper onto the plate. With stencils, stamps and texture materials, you can add patterns. This way, you create unique monoprints for cards, art journaling, scrapbooking and mixed media.

What is Gel Press?

Gel Press is a flexible gel printing plate that allows you to print paint or ink onto paper. You apply a thin layer of paint to the plate, add patterns with stencils, stamps or texture materials if desired, and then place paper on the plate to transfer the print.

Because every print is unique, Gel Press is often used for monoprinting. This means you usually create one original print, which you can then use as a background, decorative paper or part of a larger creative project. Would you like to learn more about the basics of this technique? Then also read our blog about what gel printing is and how to get started.

What do you need for gel printing?

For gel printing with Gel Press, you only need a few basic materials. With these materials, you can get started straight away:

• A gel printing plate, such as Gel Press;
• Acrylic paint or suitable ink;
• A brayer or paint roller;
• Paper, cardstock or mixed media paper;
• Stencils, stamps or texture materials;
• Kitchen paper or a damp cloth;
• Optionally, a craft mat or protective mat.

For beginners, acrylic paint is a good choice because it is easy to spread and creates clear prints. Use a thin layer of paint so the details of stencils and textures remain clearly visible.

Using Gel Press step by step

Step 1: Prepare your Gel Press plate

Place the Gel Press plate on a flat, clean surface. Make sure your paint, brayer, paper and any stencils or texture materials are within reach.

Step 2: Apply paint to the Gel Press plate

Add a small amount of acrylic paint to the gel plate. You need less paint than you might think. Too much paint can make the print less sharp.

Step 3: Spread the paint with a brayer

Roll out the paint evenly with a brayer. Create a thin, even layer over the Gel Press plate. You can use one colour or blend several colours next to each other.

Step 4: Add patterns or texture

Place a stencil on the paint layer or press stamps, leaves, lace, bubble wrap or another texture material into the paint. This creates patterns and details in your print.

Step 5: Make the print

Carefully place a sheet of paper onto the Gel Press plate. Rub over the paper with your hands so the paint transfers well. Then gently lift the paper to reveal your monoprint.

Step 6: Work in layers

Let your print dry and add a second layer if desired. By combining several colours, stencils and textures, you create depth and special effects.

Step 7: Use your print in a creative project

You can use your Gel Press print as a background for cards, as a page in your art journal, as scrapbook paper or as part of a mixed media project. Need inspiration? Then also check out ideas for cards, art journaling and scrapbooking with Gel Press.

Which paint do you use on a Gel Press plate?

Acrylic paint is often used on a Gel Press plate because it is easy to spread and creates beautiful, clear prints. Apply the paint thinly with a brayer for the best result. You can also experiment with ink or other suitable creative materials, depending on the effect you want to achieve.

Try not to use too much paint at once. A thin layer usually creates sharper patterns and better prints. Would you like to know exactly which paint works best and how to combine colours? Read more in the blog about which paint to use for Gel Press.

Gel Press techniques for beginners

If you are just starting with Gel Press, there are a few simple techniques that quickly give beautiful results.

Gel Press with stencils

Place a stencil on the paint layer and make a print straight away. You can then remove the stencil and make a second print with the paint that remains on the plate.

Creating texture

Use materials such as leaves, thread, lace, bubble wrap or corrugated cardboard to press texture into the paint layer. This gives your print a playful, handmade effect.

Creating layers

First make a base print and then add a new colour or pattern. By working in layers, you create interesting backgrounds for cards, art journals and scrapbook pages.

Making a ghost print

After your first print, some paint often remains on the Gel Press plate. Use this to make a second, lighter print. This is also called a ghost print.

Would you like to learn more about the different techniques you can use with Gel Press? Then read the full blog about Gel Press techniques such as stencils, texture, ghost prints and layers.

Common mistakes in gel printing

Using too much paint

A thick layer of paint may seem useful, but it can make details disappear. It is better to use a small amount of paint and spread it well with a brayer.

Pressing too hard with materials

Gently press stencils, stamps or texture materials into the paint. Too much pressure can move the paint or make the print look messy.

Lifting the paper too quickly

Rub the paper well before lifting it. This helps the paint transfer better and gives you a clearer print.

Not experimenting with leftover paint

The paint that remains on the plate can create beautiful soft prints. Try making a second or third print from the same layer.

Cleaning and storing Gel Press

Clean your Gel Press plate after use with a damp cloth or kitchen paper. Gently remove paint residue and do not use sharp objects that could damage the gel plate. Let the plate dry before storing it.

Store your Gel Press plate flat, clean and protected from dust. Preferably use the original packaging or protective film so the plate stays in good condition for your next gel printing project. For more tips, read the blog about cleaning and storing Gel Press.

Frequently asked questions about Gel Press

How do you use Gel Press?

Apply a thin layer of paint or ink to the Gel Press plate, spread it with a brayer, add patterns with stencils or texture materials if desired, and then press paper onto the plate to make a print.

Is Gel Press suitable for beginners?

Yes, Gel Press is very suitable for beginners. You do not need a printing press and can start gel printing straight away with a Gel Press plate, acrylic paint, a brayer and paper.

Can you use Gel Press with acrylic paint?

Yes, acrylic paint is a commonly used paint for Gel Press. The paint is easy to apply, spreads well with a brayer and is suitable for colourful monoprints.

Can you use stencils with Gel Press?

Yes, stencils are ideal for Gel Press. Place the stencil on the paint layer to create patterns, then make one or more prints.

What can you make with Gel Press?

With Gel Press, you can create monoprints, backgrounds, patterns and decorative paper. You can use these for card making, art journaling, scrapbooking, mixed media and collage.

How do you make a monoprint with Gel Press?

You make a monoprint by applying paint to the Gel Press plate, adding patterns or texture to the paint and then pressing paper onto the plate. Every print is unique.

How do you clean Gel Press?

Clean the Gel Press plate with a damp cloth or kitchen paper. Gently remove paint residue and do not use sharp materials on the plate.

Get started with Gel Press

With Gel Press, you can easily start gel printing as a beginner. By working with acrylic paint, stencils, paper and texture materials, you can create new prints with a unique look every time. Discover the Gel Press products at Vaessen Creative and use your prints for cards, art journaling, scrapbooking and mixed media projects.