Gelli Plate: What It Is and Why I Can’t Work Without It Anymore

The first time I worked with a Gelli Plate, I honestly didn't expect much from it. A soft gel plate, some paint on it, press a sheet of paper over it... it sounded simple, almost too simple. Until I pulled that first print from the paper and saw what had been created. I had no idea beforehand that the colors would blend into each other like that, or that the texture of a piece of lace would print so sharply. Since then, there is always a Gelli Plate within reach in my studio.

In this article I will take you through what exactly a Gelli Plate is, how to get started with it, and why this technique has become one of the most enjoyable parts of mixed media for me, and for many of my students.

What exactly is a Gelli Plate?

A Gelli Plate is a flexible, rubber-like gel plate with which you make monoprints. Monoprint means that every print is unique: you can never exactly repeat a print, no matter how hard you try. The plate is made of silicone with a mineral, which creates that soft, gel-like substance (hence the name) that holds paint beautifully without the need for a press like with traditional printing techniques.

You apply paint to the plate with a brayer, work with stencils, natural materials, stamps, or lace to apply patterns, and then press paper onto the plate to transfer the print. What I like so much is that the plate itself lasts for years. It is best to clean it as little as possible, as that is not always necessary. Only when you change colors, for example from a dark to a light shade, is it useful to clean the plate briefly. For this, use a soft, wet (baby) wipe on a water base, or occasionally hold the plate under the tap. Avoid harsh cleaning agents, as they damage the surface. This way, the plate is ready for the next print again.

Why this technique fits so well with mixed media

I have been teaching mixed media for years now, and if there is one thing I see again and again with students, it is that the Gelli Plate loosens them up. People who normally work very controlled suddenly start playing. This is because with this technique you simply cannot precisely control what is created. You apply a layer of paint, print, and only at the moment you pull the paper from the plate do you see the result.

For me, that is exactly the core of mixed media: learning to look at what is created instead of holding on to what you had in mind. Moreover, the prints you make are never a finished product in themselves. I prefer to use them as a basis for further work: as a background for a painting, as material for collage, or combined with image transfer for extra depth.

What do you need to get started?

You don't need to buy a whole material cabinet right away. For the basics, you have enough with:

• A Gelli Plate (available in different sizes, during the course/ workshops we work with 20x25 cm)
• Acrylic paint or gouache
• A brayer (roller) to roll out the paint evenly
• Material to add texture: stencils, lace, leaves, bubble wrap
• Sturdy paper, think 200 grams or heavier. Preferably slightly smoother paper, that does not absorb moisture too quickly.

Step by step: how to make your first print

1. Roll out a thin, even layer of paint on the Gelli Plate with the brayer.
2. If desired, place a stencil, leaf, or other material on the paint to add texture.
3. Carefully place a sheet of paper on the plate and press it evenly with your hands.
4. Slowly and in one motion pull the paper away.
5. Let the print dry and repeat with a new color or new material.

The beautiful thing is that after pulling the first print, you can often use the plate a second time. There is just enough paint left for a softer, more subtle print. We call that a ghost print, and they are regularly my favorite results of a session.

A few techniques to experiment further

Once the basics are down, there are countless directions to go in:

Working layer on layer. By printing multiple colors over each other, with a different stencil or texture each time, you build up depth. Do wait until a layer is dry before applying the next, otherwise the colors will blend too much.

Image transfer. With a laser print you can transfer an image to your Gelli Plate. This way you combine a photo or illustration with the texture of your print.

Negative and positive prints. If you place a stencil on the plate before printing, you get a negative shape (the shape remains white). Remove your stencil and you can make another print, but then a positive print, of the paint that is still on your plate.

Common beginner mistakes

In my workshops I regularly see the same things go wrong:

Too thick layers of paint. Less is more. A thin layer gives more control over the result and also dries faster.

Being too quickly satisfied with the first print. Often the second or third print from the same plate is precisely the most interesting, because the colors blend more softly.

Adding too little texture. Using only paint quickly gives a flat result. Go looking for materials in the house that leave interesting textures.

Frequently asked questions about the Gelli Plate

Is a Gelli Plate washable? Yes, you clean the plate with a damp wipe or under a light stream of lukewarm water. Do not use sharp objects, as they can damage the surface.

How long does a Gelli Plate last? With normal use and good care, a Gelli Plate can last for years. Store it flat and away from direct sunlight to prevent warping.

Can I work with gouache on a Gelli Plate? Certainly, gouache gives a slightly different effect than acrylic paint, usually a bit more matte and softer in color. I regularly combine them in the same session.

Do I need experience to work with a Gelli Plate? No, that is precisely the beautiful thing. There is no right or wrong, and the technique is accessible to everyone, from complete beginner to experienced artist.

Get started yourself

Reading about a Gelli Plate is one thing, but really mastering the technique you do by just doing it, with your hands in the paint. This summer I am working with it during the summer course in painting and mixed media in Zeist, where Gelli Plate is one of the four techniques that are covered, alongside marbling, collage, and acrylic pouring.

Want to know when a new workshop or course with the Gelli Plate is on the schedule? Then look at my current workshop offer and course agenda. I regularly add new dates in Haarlem, Utrecht, and Zeist.

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