I've Discovered Gel Printing

I consider myself a printmaker; I've been working, almost exclusively, in printmaking (Clayprinting) for the last six years.

I found gel printing online recently, and confess to viewing hours of youtube videos on the subject. I was ready to invest in some gel plates (Dick Block has a good assortment at the best price) when I discovered recipes for DYI gel plates.

The following recipe looked promising: few ingredients that I already had & simple procedure.

1 1/2 c glycerine
1 1/2 c water 
7 pkgs. unflavored gelatin

So here we go!

equipment

I used a small cookie sheet & a flower cake pan that I borrowed from the library. The pot was to boil the water.

Ingredients

I had the glycerine; I use it to seal my clayprints. I bought the cheap house brand of gelatin.

gelatin sprinkled on the glycerine

First goes in the glycerine, then sprinkle the gelatin on top. The two came together very quickly and smoothly.

after the addition of the hot water

Next slowly add the hot water and keep stirring. I doubled the recipe, and as you can see it barely fit in the bowl. I stirred it with the wisk trying not to introduce too many bubbles. BTW I was stirring while I watched Doctor Who: the Destiny of the Dalecks (the Tom Baker movies). After a couple of minutes it wasn't as clear as I thought it should be so I put the bowl in the microwave for 45 sec. & then again. I was finally happy with its clarity.

poured into the cookie sheet & cake pan

I poured it into the pans. I had enough for both pans. I used a toothpick to puncture a few air bubbles then let it set on the counter overnight.

All done!

Wow. Here is the finished product. I carefully turned it out onto a piece of acrylic that fit just fine. I was a little apprehensive about the recipe & process because I don't like to waste things (particularly my precious glycerine), but the whole thing came together without a hitch.

Now I need to try to make some prints on it. Maybe soon! Keep watching.