Basic Monoprinting

This is the most straightforward technique. Simply apply a layer of acrylic paint onto the gel plate using the brayer. Roll it out to an even coat and place your paper on top, then using the palm of your hand in a firm and circular motion transfer the paint to your plate. You can apply more layers of paint to create more textures or colors.

Tip: Acrylic paint is builable and recommended that you work in think layers. If you want a lighter print, use less paint. If you want bolder, more vibrant prints, layer on more paint!

Texture and Stencil Printing

To add texture to your prints, use objects with interesting surfaces (remember, nothing sharp!). Place things like bubble wrap or a flower on the gel plate before applying paint. Press gently into the plate to create textured imprints (by pressing them and removing paint, you are creating negative space that can then be filled in a future layer). After that, apply your paper as usual to capture the texture in your print.

Layering Prints

One of the most exciting parts of gel plate printing is layering! You can add layers of paint one at a time to create depth in your print. For example, after your first layer has dried or been removed from the gel plate, apply a second layer of paint or ink, and press down your surface again.

Tip: Layering requires an understanding of positive and negative space so that you can see the layers and print more onto your paper. At its core, your positive space is the area with paint and your negative space is the “blank” parts of your plate that will either appear as blank on our paper or the color of the previous layer. I know this can be confusing, so here is a good resource for understanding negative and positive space. There are a few photos below that can also be helpful.

Reverse Printing

Expanding on the concept of positive and negative space, reverse printing is a technique where you block out parts of the gel plate to leave negative space. Use a mask or stencil to cover certain areas of the gel plate before rolling on your paint. Once you remove the mask, those areas will remain unpainted, creating a reversed pattern.

Ghost Prints

Once you've made your first print, don’t let that gel plate go to waste! You can create a second (and even third) print from the same plate. The second print will be a lighter, more subtle version of the first, but sometimes this “ghost print” can be just as stunning as the original.

Creating Color Gradients

For smooth gradients, apply a bit of color theory to mix colors in an ombre effect. The key is to blend at least two colors with a brayer to create a seamless transition. For example, a light green next to a dark green. Press your paper onto the plate to capture the ombre effect.

Tip: Work quickly, as acrylics dry fast. Have your colors and placement planned ahead of time before you start rolling.