Art supplies: basic supplies for gel plate printing
ART SUPPLIES
I'm often asked what to purchase to start gel plate printing... what basic supplies do you need to start.
The following supplies will be great for someone just starting to gel plate print. These are the very basics that can get you started.
GEL PLATES
I started with an 8x10” plate. A 5x7” and 9x12" work, too.
I prefer Gelli Arts plates. Other options are Gel Press and Gel Elf.
Be aware that the Speedball plates require Speedball printing inks and regular acrylic paints don’t work.
ROUND FLAT TIP
You’ll need a brayer to roll paint on to the plate. A 2” or 4” Speedball soft rubber brayer works really well.
PAINT
You will need to use acrylic paints on your gel plate.
I prefer Liquitex BASICS and Golden Fluid acrylics. Their pigment load is fantastic and I like the viscosity of both paints.
Some cheap craft paints won't work well... you get what you pay for.
Experiment with other acrylic paints to see what you like the best.
PAPER
I use basic copy, or cartridge, paper since I use my gel printed papers for collage.
Printmaking paper is the best if you are using your gel plate in a more traditional printmaking way.
Tissue papers work very well on gel plates. "Wet strength" tissues are the best. In the US/CAN you can find Spectra Art Tissue made by Pacon.
Heavier papers, like card stock or watercolor papers, can work, but keep in mind it's harder to pull off the plate and you can potentially crease the paper when pulling it off.
Click the button below to see a list of my favorite art supplies and to purchase, including supplies above.
Some links above are paid links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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