Gelli Plate Image Transfers in Acrylic

• This transfer process produces a very wide range of results.
• Some images will create very crisp results, others are more muddled.
• High contrast magazine images tend to get the best results.
• Start with black printing ink first so you understand the full value of this technique.
• Pick your images from magazine first so they are ready to go.
• Have all your supplies set up so you can work quickly, the acrylic paint tries fast.
• Soaking your paper in advance helps the acrylic paint get absorbed better.
• Use blotters or a towel to blot your paper so it’s not soaking wet.

• There are recipes online for creating your own homemade gelli plate.
• When rolling the acrylic ink on the plexiglass, roll in all different directions for even coverage.
• Experiment with different colors and thicknesses of acrylic paint, it takes a while to get the hang of it!
• When pressing the paper into the gelli plate, don’t ignore the edges.
• After you pull your print, take some time to analyze the print and see how the print came out.
• This technique is great as a starting point for a drawing or a painting.
• Create a registration sheet with cardboard, and acetate so it’s easy to make your print even.

Art Supplies

• Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint 
• Gelli Arts Gel Printing Plate 5X7 
• Plexiglass 
• Speedball Breyer (2 is better)
• Rives BFK White Printmaking Paper 
• Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Sponges 
• Winsor & Newton Slow Dri Medium (optional)
• Wide flat tray, for soaking paper
• Bath Towel, for blotting the Rives BFK Paper
• Dish Soap, for cleaning the gel plates
• Blotters & newsprint for drying/flattening prints