top of page
Search
Writer's pictureLa'la

Gelli Plate

Updated: Jun 22, 2020


For printing, while not having access to a press machine like working from home, an option could be using a homemade Gelli plate. For starting a low–tech Water-based monoprint I made my matrix by gelatine. I think a 1 cm thick matrix should do the work. Following is the recipe I used:

  • 1 tin of gelatine 100g

  • 2 ½ cup of boiling water

  • 1 mixing bowl

  • 1 spatula

  • 1 flat-bottomed metal tray

  • 1 sieve

  • 1 piece of rag

Instruction:

First: pour half a cup of boiling water into the mixing bowl.


Second: slowly sprinkle gelatine powder onto the bowl and mix it with a spatula.

Third: add a cup of boiling water to the mixture. Make sure all lumps are dissolved.

Fourth: add another cup of boiling water and mix.


Fifth: put the rag in the sieve, hold the sieve above your tray, then pour the liquid into it. That helps to filter lumps and bubbles if any.


Sixth: use a piece of newsprint to skim across the surface, dragging bubbles to the edge.


Seventh: put the tray into the fridge shelf. Make sure to get the tray as level as possible.

Eighth: after 6-12 hour it will be fully set and ready to use.



Tips:

  • Cover your Gelli matrix with a plastic wrap to prevent it from shrinking too much.

  • You can Keep your Gelli matrix in the fridge for two weeks.

  • If your Gelli matrix got damaged, put it in the microwave and reheat it to a liquid, then pour again into the mould.


CAUTION: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE HOT WATER AND TIP DOWN SINK - IT WILL BLOCK YOUR PIPES


Cleaning up:





Use a rag and water spray to clean the matrix as the last touch.

Thanks to Heather Hesterman.











18 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page