GEL PRINTING / MONOPRINTING

Monoprinting is a printing technique with which you can only create one print. This is the opposite of for example a rubber stamp, with which you can reproduce an image over and over again. With a monoprint you can never reproduce the exact same image twice, hence the name monoprint.

Gel printing is a monoprinting technique with a gel printing plate. A gel printing plate, sometimes called a gelli plate, is a sort of soft and sticky plate made out of a polymer material. Originally a print-maker uses a glass plate or acrylic plate to make monoprints. But to make prints you would need an expensive printing press. With a gel printing plate you can make beautiful prints, but without the necessity of press.

For gel printing, you can use quite a wide range of papers, but the choice affects both the texture and how the paint or ink behaves. Here are the most common types:

Best options for gel printing paper:

• Copy or printer paper (80–100 gsm) – Great for practice prints, layering, and collage. Smooth surface makes for even paint transfer.

• Mixed media paper (160–250 gsm) – Good all-rounder, handles acrylics well and resists warping.

• Cardstock (200–300 gsm) – Ideal for sturdy prints, greeting cards, or covers.

• Watercolor paper (cold press or hot press, 190–300 gsm) – Absorbs paint beautifully; hot press gives smoother prints, cold press adds texture.

• Tissue paper / deli paper – Very thin, perfect for layering in mixed media or collage work.

• Printmaking paper (like Strathmore, Stonehenge, or Fabriano) – Archival quality and designed for ink/paint transfer.

Tip: Avoid papers with heavy coatings (like glossy photo paper) unless you want experimental, resist-style effects, as the paint may not adhere well.