Tips for Gelli Plates

Using a Gelli Plate is a really fun and easy medium to learn. You can transfer laser printed images or magazine images onto a silicone-like plate with layers of paint. Pretty much any type of artist can express their work thru gel plating.

Here are a couple tips if you ever buy yourself a Gelli Plate:

1. After opening your gel plate, we recommend using the plastic sheets that come in the packaging to store your plate with when you are done. You won't want to use paper because that will suck up all the oils from the gel plate. Also, you won't want to use just anything because the gel plate can form air bubbles or lose it's ability to transfer. You'll want to make sure to store it flat or between books to make sure it does not warp.

2. If you are going to print your photos at home, make sure your printer is a laser printer and not an inkjet.

3. When you apply your first layer of paint, make sure it is pretty thin and tacky. The tackiness will increase the more you let the paint dry but you don't want it to dry too much.

4. When you place the printed photo onto the Gelli Plate, keep the printed sheet in place and then rub the sheet with your hands. Apply a little pressure if you want, but make sure to rub the full sheet so the paint soaks into the printer paper.

5. When you transfer the image from the plate to your choice of canvas, make sure you lay it once and rub out the entire plate onto the surface.

6. You can clean your plate with a wet paper towel. You can also do a full wash with some mild soap and warm water. Pat the plate dry immediately.
   

Let us know if you try the medium out or if you have any questions!