Basic Supplies for Gel Printing

For the Gelli-dori style book we will be working with, I'll be sharing a video with you, well in advance, showing how it's constructed ,so you can bring an already created structure!

1. Gel Plate

• Size: 8x10 is ideal for most projects and easy to manage, or smaller for travel. 

• Larger or smaller plates are welcome if you already have one.

• Brand: Any brand works—Gelli Arts and Gel Press are popular choices.

2. Brayer

• Size: 4-inch soft rubber brayer is the most versatile.

• You only need one to cover most plate sizes.

3. Acrylic Paints ( its best to travel with smaller bottles I find the small tubes work great the are more compact and don't have the tendency to become presureized)

• A variety of brands and finishes works best!

• Craft store paints like Folk Art, Apple Barrel, Martha Stewart – great for layering and inexpensive.

• Liquitex Basics – student-grade but high quality.

• Blick Matte Acrylics – nice texture, great for layering.

• Optional: ARA acrylics – beautiful European paints, available online via Jackson’s Art (UK) or Amazon.

• Note: High-end brands like Golden can be too rich and sometimes don’t perform well on gel plates—use sparingly if you already own them.

Pro Tip: Mix different brands and paint types for the best results. The gel plate responds beautifully to a variety of formulations.

4. Paper

• Copy paper (plain white printer paper) – perfect for practice and layering.

• Calligraphy paper packs – lovely texture and absorbency.

• Optional: deli paper, newsprint, or mixed media paper if you have them on hand.

OPTIONAL: Bring what feels comfortable don't over fill your suitcase we will be able to pick up so many goodies at market!

5. Tools & Textures for Mark Making

We’ll be exploring masks, stencils, and found objects! Gather items like:

• Studio scraps or “cleanup” papers

• Old lace, mesh, cardboard, doilies

• Plastic lids, bottle caps, bubble wrap

• Dollar store or thrifted items (think weird textures!)

• Handmade or store-bought stencils and masks