Product Info Tip of the Week 6/6/12 - Gelatin Printing

[Blick Art Materials]

Gelatin Printing
Have you ever tried monotype printing but found that you really need a press to get good results? One solution for creating gorgeous monotypes without a press is to use a gelatin plate. Traditionally, the gelatin plate is made with unflavored gelatin and is poured into a shallow dish and left to set up. While this is simple enough, it does take some planning and requires time to make the gelatin and let it set up before you can even start being creative. The other issue with traditional gelatin plates is that they will start to break down or disintegrate over time. Thus, you will need to be careful with how you store them and you will need to remake them eventually.

There is good news though for those of us interested in this method of printing and who do not have access to a press. Gelli Arts has developed the Gelli Arts Printing Plate made from a gel like material that emulates the feel and texture of natural gelatin, is non-perishable, and is easily stored. Currently available in two sizes (6” x 6” and 8” x 10”), they are easily stored in their original, reusable packaging. Acrylic paints (fluid or heavy body), water-based block printing inks, or monotype inks can be used on these plates. They do not recommend using dye based inks (such as rubber stamp inks or fabric dyes) because they can stain the plate. Because the surface does not absorb the paint and water based paints are used, the plate can be cleaned with soap and water, hand sanitizer, or baby wipes. When storing the plate between uses, keep out of direct sunlight and way from heat and store flat on a smooth surface (leaving it set on or having things set on the plate can cause it to become indented).

As far as making prints, the options are limitless. Paints can be applied with a soft haired paint brush, roller, sponge, color shapers, Q-tips, or other soft applicators. Stencils, paper, rubber stamps, lace, mesh, netting, bubble wrap, clear wrap, aluminum foil, and many other materials can be used to add or remove paint for interesting textures. These plates are great for experimenting and because the paint dries quickly you can go back and reprint or add additional printed layers.

Visit the Gelli Arts' Facebook Page for more tips, tricks, videos and photos.

Helpful tip:
The Gelli Art Printing Plates contain harmless mineral oil which if left on an absorbent surface can soak in and cause a stain. If the plates get hot, they can also exude a little bit of this oil which is normal and can easily be wiped off.

Audra
Product Information Specialist

For further assistance using art supplies, feel welcome to contact our Product Information Department at 1-800-933-2542 or e-mail us at info@dickbick.com. Hours of operation: M-F, 8:00am-5:30pm CST.

[nkelley66]

Great post on the Gelli plate and gelatin printing! Thanks for sharing.

[SAS Designs]

I did a workshop using the Gelli Art Plate for monotype printing - and I loved it so much I've just ordered my own from DB.
Would love to get advice on best acrylic paints to use. I've only used watercolor, soft pastels, so don't know anything about acrylics - esp. with regard to using the Gelli Art Plate. Thanks.

[Blick Art Materials]

The Gelli Plates were really designe to be used with acrylic paints or even montype printing inks. You can use either Heavy Body Acrylics, which are thicker or Soft Body Acrylics, like craft paints that are thin. Many people use the Soft Body because it is eaiser to pour a little on the plate and then roll out into a nice thin film. Liquitex and Golden both make artist quality soft body or fluid acrylics. The acrylics will not harm the plate and will wipe off easily with a wet paper towel or baby wipe.

Monotype Inks are like acrylics, and usually have a similar binder. They are different in that they usually have a slow drying agent in them, so they dry slower than regular acyrlic paints. This is nice if you are doing more elaborate painting on the Gelli Plate. Akua and Createx both offer good quality Monotype Inks.

For more ideas, make sure to visit Gelli Plate's website. They offer lesson plans, tips, and videos.

Hope that helps,
Audra

[SAS Designs]

Thanks Audra - waiting for my DB delivery now. The 8x10 gelli's are backordered til 3/7. SO EXCITED to get them. Thrilled to learn a young woman created them - and saves us all the hassle of Unflavored gelatin, mess, and spoilage. Love the service from DB too.