Tutorial: How to use baby powder on a gel plate for textured prints.
TUTORIAL
Looking for a simple way to create unique textures in your gel plate printing? Try baby powder. This easy technique gives your gel prints a soft, layered effect that’s hard to achieve with paint alone. Even better—you probably already have everything you need at home.
Whether you’re a beginner wondering how to use a gel plate or an experienced printmaker wanting fresh ideas, this method is worth adding to your toolbox.
Here’s how to do it…
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
• A gel plate (any size works)
• Acrylic paint (transparent paints give the best layered look)
• Baby powder - use the pure cornstarch/cornflour kind
• A brayer
• Paper for printing
STEP 1: ADD PAINT AND POWDER TO PLATE
Roll out a thin layer of acrylic paint on your gel plate with the brayer. If you’re new to gel plate printing, remember that less paint usually creates cleaner textures.
Lightly dust the paint with baby powder. You can use a small pinch for subtle textures or shake on more for bold, dramatic effects. Cornstarch/cornflour works just as well if you prefer.
STEP 2: PRINT AS USUAL
Lay your paper over the plate, press it down evenly, and let it sit for a few seconds to a few minutes. Then peel it back to reveal your first textured print.
Here’s the fun part—you don’t need to clean your gel plate between prints. In fact, leftover traces of paint and powder create even more interesting textures as you continue printing.
Try layering multiple pulls on the same sheet of paper. Transparent paints are especially effective for this because they let earlier textures shine through. Layer on layer, you’ll build depth and dimension in your gel prints.
SOME TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND
As powder and paint builds up on the plate you may need to let the paper sit on the plate for a few minutes to be sure to pick up all that lovely texture.
Clean your plate with water when you’re finished or want to start fresh.
You may need to brush the powder off your prints if they are extra dusty.
HAVE FUN!
Baby powder gel printing is a simple but powerful trick to expand your creative vocabulary. It works for both beginners and seasoned artists who want more texture in their gel prints.
So grab your gel plate, add a little paint, sprinkle some powder, and see what happens. Each print will surprise you in the best way.
Happy printing!
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO WITH ALL THOSE GEL PRINTS?
I collage with my gel plate prints in board books. Yep, children’s board books!
Board books are so much more interesting than a typical sketchpad. Aaaand, they're a total blast! With just a few tips I can help you learn the ins and outs to collaging in board books in my popular FREE online class, Build your Creativity: Board Book Basics!
