Gelli Printing
Paint, press, peel a print.
Gelli printing is monotype printmaking with a soft gel plate. You roll acrylic paint onto the plate, layer textures with stencils, leaves, or anything with a surface, then press paper down to pull a one-of-a-kind print.
It rewards experimentation over planning. Each pull is unique, and most sessions produce a stack of prints in different color combinations. A muddy pull just becomes the base layer for the next one.
The barrier to entry is low. A plate, a brayer, some acrylics, and paper get you started. The plate wipes clean with water, so cleanup is fast.
You’ll love gelli printing if…
- you'd rather experiment than plan a finished piece
- you want fast, satisfying results in a single session
- you like texture and layering more than precise detail
What you'll need to get started
Gelli Arts Gel Printing Plate (8x10)
The soft gel plate at the center of the hobby. 8x10 is a good starter size; smaller plates suit cards.
Speedball Soft Rubber Brayer (4 inch)
Rolls paint evenly across the plate. A 4-inch roller fits most plate sizes.
Golden OPEN Acrylics, Intro Set
Slow-drying acrylics that stay workable on the plate long enough to pull a clean print. They cost more than craft acrylics, but the open working time is the point. Heavy-bodied paint dries too fast for this.
Geometric Stencil Set
Reusable stencils for building up the layered look that makes gelli prints distinctive. Leaves and old credit cards work too.
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