Gelli Plate

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.