The common use is to brayer on acrylic paint, and then you can press your paper onto the paint which then transfers the paint to the paper, making a print. A brayer is a roller that you can use to roll the paint onto the gel plate.
There are various techniques one can use to make a variety of transfer images. One can partially cover an area on the Gel Press, which is called a mask. Then the person add paint and then lift the mask before pressing the receiving paper onto the paint, which will then leave an area where no paint was transferred.
One could also press other objects into the wet paint on the Gel Press, and then lift them off before making the print. This will provide a textured look of whatever object or objects were placed into the wet paint.
Another option is to use stencils that one can lay on the Gel Press, before they brayer on the paint on the Gel Press. Then the person lifts the stencil, providing a painting that is now in the shape of the stencil.
One can also paint a textured look of an object onto the Gel Press, and let that dry. Then they can paint a new layer of paint over the dried paint. Then they can press the receiving paper onto the two layered painting that is on the Gel Press. Doing this method requires the artist to give the pressing process a longer wait time before lifting the receiving paper, to allow the dry paint to be received into the wet paint, and then both layers of paint can show up on the receiving paper. Many people also do more than two layers.
This is a section of a print that I made by pressing stones into the wet paint on the painted Gel Press. The paint was still wet, so I could go ahead and press my receiving paper onto the painting.
As you can see, there can be many types of scenarios in these printing creations.
When I first got my Gel Press, I was hesitant to try much of anything. I didn't want to ruin the Gel Press. But in actuality, it is quite durable.
I have watched numerous YouTube videos on using gel plates, and many like leaving old paint on their gel plates, giving their next creation more of a grunge look. Others wipe off the dried paint with water, and or baby wipes.
One tip is to store the Gel Press in it's package, in an upright position. The key is not to let something lay on it and press an indention into it, as that can show up in future prints. Another tip is to make the layers of paint, thin. If the paint is too thick, the print doesn't peel off the Gel Press as well. And yes, it is a peeling action, that was something I had to get accustomed to.
Overall, I love my Gel Press. I have used it a variety of times to make background designs in a variety of the scrapbook papers I have designed. There are still other techniques I want to try out, including painting on it with a paint brush, and then adding another background layer to it. If you are interested in scrapbook paper, check out the link below the Gel Press link.
Find scrapbook paper in paperbacks, by Cheryl Paton, on my blog: https://artonproducts.blogspot.com/2024/03/cheryl-paton-scrapbook-paper.html
Check out another way that I am learning to make prints using a Speedball Carver, on this blog. https://www.reviewthisreviews.com/2025/05/speedball-carver-review.html
Update: I made a flower design using my gel plate. I let each layer dry as I built them up. Pictured on the left side of the image is the final layer on the gel plate before I added the final layer of wet paint to peel it off with. Pictured to the right is what the peeled off print looks like, with all the layers. Just to give you more of an idea of the process and how things can look. Also, I let the receiving paper sit on the gel plate approximately 15-20 minutes before peeling it off, to allow the multiple layers time to be absorbed onto the receiving paper.
Cheryl Paton
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
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The gel press sounds like an interesteing tool to use in printing creations. I've never heard of it before, so it was fun to learn about it through your review. Thanks, Cheryl.
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome Wednesday Elf. They are quite interesting; sometimes it's a bit of excitement to see what the creation is going to look like.
DeleteAfter reading your review of the gel press plate, I skipped over to youtube to watch a few videos. There really are some awesome videos with great ideas for designs. I especially liked one that showed how to make a big leaf print. Really creative way to make some wonderful, unique art designs. The gel press would certainly open the door to a lot of fun, as well as beautiful artwork. Thanks for the introduction!
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome Sylvestermouse. Many people use leaves, flowers, weeds, and more. Just don't use anything that is pokey to keep the gel plate in good working order.
DeleteMany of my friends are involved in creative arts as well as crafts, so I have seen numerous wonderful examples of gel press plates in action. I love your print of the rocks. Very creative!
ReplyDeleteThank you Margaret. It's great that you have creative friends.
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ReplyDeleteOh this sounds like something I would like to try. My artsy streak is crying out for a new method to create something beautiful. Thanks Cheryl!
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome Olivia. All the best with your artsy streak!
DeleteThis gel press plate sounds very useful when making beautiful art and very creative and fun! Your work is always lovely and thank you for the good advice when using this as well.
ReplyDeleteThe gel press plates do allow for a lot of creativity and fun. Thank you bunches for the compliment.
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