🎨 What Is Gel Printing? A Beginner’s Guide to This Addictive Art Form

Have you ever wanted to make beautiful, layered artwork without needing a press or fancy equipment? That’s exactly what gel printing is all about — and it’s one of the most fun and freeing ways to create prints at home.

In this post, I’ll show you:

• What gel printing is

• What tools you need to get started

• Why it’s perfect for beginners (and why it’s so addictive!)

  
  

🧼 So, What Is Gel Printing?

Gel printing — also called gel plate printing or monoprinting — is a form of printmaking that uses a soft, flexible plate made of gel (or silicone). Instead of carving a design like in block printing, you build up layers of paint and texture directly on the surface of the plate.

Once your design is ready, you lay a sheet of paper on top, press it gently, and pull a one-of-a-kind print. That’s it!

No press. No drawing skills required. Just paint, paper, and a gel plate.

Check out this quick video of how I created a gel print using weeds and leaves I found outside:

✨ What Makes Gel Printing So Special?

• You never know what you’ll get — every print is unique!

• It’s great for mixed media, collage, and art journaling

• You can print with everyday items: leaves, lace, stencils, string, even bubble wrap

• It’s perfect for relaxing creative time or serious artistic exploration

You don’t need to be an expert to start. Just show up and experiment!

🧰 What You’ll Need to Start Gel Printing

Here are the basics:

• A gel plate (Gelli Arts, Gel Press, or similar)

• A brayer (roller)

• Acrylic paint

• Paper (printer paper, cardstock, mixed media, etc.)

• Optional: stencils, botanicals, or texture tools

Want the full list of supplies I use and recommend?👉 Download my free Gel Print Supply List here: https://jenna-mclean-art.mykajabi.com/gel-print-supply-list

Here are the supplies you need: a gel plate, brayers (rollers), paint and something with texture

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t Overthink It

Gel printing is all about play. Your first prints might be messy — that’s part of the magic. Let go of perfection and enjoy the process.

➕ Ready to Try It?

If you're curious to see gel printing in action, I’ve got a beginner-friendly video tutorial right here:🎥 Watch: “Gel Plate Printing 101: Complete Tutorial for Beginners" on YouTube

And don’t forget to pin this post so you can come back to it later!

💬 Over to You

Have you tried gel printing before? What’s your favorite thing to use on your plate — leaves, stencils, or something else?

Let me know in the comments below! 👇