Instructions Gel Press

Would you like to make a monoprint with Gel Press? With a Gel Press plate, acrylic paint, a brayer and paper, you can create unique prints step by step without using a printing press.

In this guide, you will learn how to use Gel Press, how to create gel prints with acrylic paint and how to achieve different effects using stencils and texture materials. The technique is suitable for beginners and experienced crafters alike and is widely used for mixed media, art journaling, card making and scrapbooking.

Would you first like to know exactly what gel printing and monoprinting mean? Read our beginner’s guide What is gel printing?

In short: how do you use Gel Press?

To make a monoprint with Gel Press, apply a thin layer of acrylic paint or suitable ink to the gel printing plate. Spread the paint evenly with a brayer and, if desired, add patterns using stencils, stamps or texture materials.

Next, place a sheet of paper onto the plate and rub it evenly. Carefully lift the paper to reveal the print. This creates a unique monoprint that you can use for card making, art journaling, scrapbooking, collage 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.

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.

Make a monoprint with Gel Press: step by step

Step 1: Prepare your Gel Press plate

Place the Gel Press plate on a flat, clean surface. Have your acrylic paint, brayer, paper and any stencils, stamps or texture materials ready as well.

Step 2: Apply acrylic paint to the Gel Press

Add a small amount of acrylic paint to the gel plate. For gel printing, you usually only need a little paint. If the layer is too thick, patterns and textures may become less visible.

Step 3: Spread the acrylic paint with a brayer

Roll the acrylic paint evenly across the Gel Press plate with a brayer until the surface is covered with a thin layer. You can use one colour or apply several colours next to each other and blend them carefully.

Step 4: Create patterns and textures

Place a stencil in the paint or use stamps, leaves, lace, bubble wrap or other texture materials. These can remove paint from certain areas or create textures that will later appear in your monoprint.

Step 5: Make your monoprint

Carefully place a sheet of paper onto the Gel Press plate. Rub evenly over the paper with your hands so that the paint transfers properly. Then slowly lift the paper from the plate.

You have now created a monoprint with acrylic paint. Because the distribution of paint, colour and texture is slightly different each time, every print has a unique appearance.

Step 6: Build up multiple layers

Allow the first print to dry and then add a second colour, pattern or texture if desired. By layering different gel prints, you can create more depth and interesting colour combinations.

Step 7: Use your gel print

Use your monoprint as a background for a card, as a page in an 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 a popular choice for gel printing because it is easy to spread across the Gel Press plate with a brayer. A thin layer of paint allows you to create bright colours and clearly defined patterns.

When making a monoprint with acrylic paint, start with a small amount of paint. If the layer is too thick, fine details from stencils and textures may disappear. You can use several colours next to each other or print multiple layers on top of one another to create extra depth.

Besides acrylic paint, you can also experiment with certain types of ink and other suitable creative mediums. However, not every product behaves in the same way on a gel plate. 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.

How do you make a monoprint with acrylic paint?

Apply a thin layer of acrylic paint to the Gel Press plate and spread it evenly with a brayer. Add patterns or textures if desired, place paper onto the plate and rub it down well. When you lift the paper, your unique monoprint is revealed.

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.

Can I make several monoprints from one layer of paint?

Often, yes. After the first print, some paint may remain on the Gel Press plate. You can use this to create a second, lighter print. This type of residual print is often called a ghost print.

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.

Make your own monoprint with Gel Press

With Gel Press, you can easily create your own monoprint using acrylic paint, paper and a brayer. By combining stencils, textures and different layers of paint, every gel print gets its own unique appearance.

Start with a thin layer of paint and simple patterns, then gradually experiment further with colour, texture and layers. Discover the Gel Press products at Vaessen Creative and use your prints for cards, art journaling, scrapbooking and mixed media projects.