r/gelliprinting

Hi, all! I've been making gelli plate prints for almost half a year and I've gotten pretty good at getting good, consistent, saturated pulls, but I've never, ever succeeded with applying multiple layers of different coloured paint.

Should I let the first layer of paint dry slightly, or fully, before applying a second coat? Should I use a paint medium to seal in the original layer or is that not necessary? Please, please help!

https://preview.redd.it/8ffhzak5qtzg1.jpg?width=2822&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3962b1d2fbe1cea880bb8b07f477476961ceba26

Why am I so intimidated? The choice of plate? Fear of failure?

I have a Speedball plate and all others tools, paper to start.

But only acrylic paints. I missed the part on the label that said no acrylics.

Anyone try a Speedball plate with acrylics?

Other brands? Make your own?

I’m trying to be brave.

Thanks for being here.

Hi, I am new to gelliplate printing.

I have speedball block printing ink and a gelli plate and from youtube got the impression that these could work together. I have done four sessions so far with zero success in simply getting the ink to stick to the plate rather than the brayer.

I will have access to acrylics next week and will try with them, but for now would appreciate any advice trying to make the block printing ink work.

I put small amounts onto the plate from the tube, roll the brayer very lightly to begin spreading it, and before the ink is remotely evened out it's like someone hits a reverse switch on the ink vacuum and the brayer is sucking up all the ink and my plate is sparkling clean, all ink on the brayer. I usually have the best luck with the first attempt in a session. I'll get a very uneven coat down without it all getting taken back up by the brayer. But starting with the second attempt it just stops being possible to get the ink to stay on the plate.

Thanks in advance