What if we told you you could turn paint into prints—no brushes needed?
With our DIY Gel Plate Monoprinting Kit, you can tap into your inner artist to create distinctive, one-of-a-kind artworks by simply transferring ink or paint from a gel plate to paper. This ancient art form has evolved into a modern, mess-free technique allows you endless options to experiment with colors, textures and designs! So, grab your paints and let your artist energies flow and create magical prints, with no two will ever be the same!

A kit to unpack your creativity 

Our kit is packed with everything you need to express your artistic vision!

1 Tray
Glycerine
Gelatin
1 wooden spoon
1 paint roller
10 Handmade papers
6 Acrylic Paints
2 Stencils
1 paint brush
1 messy mat

Check out our video tutorial for a more detailed explanation.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

STEP 1: Mix your base and Make your gel plate!

1. Mix gelatin, glycerine, and hot water in a tray – to develop your magical base!

2. Pop it into the fridge and let it set – as if making jelly (but way cooler).

3. Chill time! Keep it inside for a few hours until it’s firm and wobbly like a soft gummy.

Pro Tip: Use a shallow tray for a smooth, even plate — your old baking trays work too!
Now you’ve made your own DIY print surface... ready for your amazing art!

STEP 2: Unleash Paint (and your creativity) on the plate!

1. Squeeze out some paint onto your gel plate — acrylics work best!

2. Use a brayer or roller to spread the paint into a smooth, thin layer.

3. Blend colors, make gradients, or go bold with textures — there is room for limitless expression.

Pro Tip: Too much paint may overshadow the art,  a little is just enough to make the details pop.

Now, your masterpiece begins to take shape. 

STEP 3: Go crazy with textures, shapes and materials!

1. Use texture objects like leaves, lace, string, stencils or any other interesting textures onto your painted gel plate. 

You can experiment with endless textures such as bubble wrap, mesh and so on. 

2. Each material will leave a unique imprint, turning your plate into a textured canvas. 

Pro Tip: Try layering textures or lifting and re-pressing to get cool, otherworldly effect. 

No rules here — unleash your creative energy and go wild with your imagination! 

STEP 4: Print & Reveal!

1. Carefully press a sheet of paper over the gel plate — smooth it down with your hands.

 2. Wait a few seconds… and now for the best part: the peel!

 3. Gently lift the paper to reveal your one-of-a-kind print — ta-da!

Pro Tip: Try printing on old book pages, newspaper, or colored paper for fun twists.
you'll want to snap a pic. Trust us — it’s that

The History Behind Gel Monoprinting

Here's something that would definitely impress your high school history teacher. Before monoprinting became the artsy trend of today, the art form goes way back to olden times. It was originally practised using carved wood blocks, metal plates, and ink. Now these have been replaced with modern day reusable, mess-free gel plate.

Artists used to work hard for a single print, and now you can replicate the same magic with a roller and some paint, no press or fancy tools needed. Gel monoprinting is essentially an old-school technique revamped with DIY flair, perfect for your artistic afternoons. 

What Can You Make With Your Gel Monoprints?

Honestly, the possibilties are endless, you just need your imagination and creativity.

1. Notebook Covers – Dress your notebooks in their artsy best with bold gel print makeovers!

2. Greeting Cards – Ditch the store-bought—print, peel, and press your way to heartfelt, handmade magic.

3. Bookmarks – Why mark your page with boring strips when you can monoprint masterpieces?

4. Wrapping Covers – Wrap it like you mean it—with brilliant prints that scream I made this!

5. Scrapbook/Journal – From dreamy pages to funky borders, gel prints give your journal a makeover!

6. Mixed Media Collages – Tear, layer, and glue those gel prints to create a masterpiece of textures

It's like printing your personality onto paper — colorful, chaotic, and so cool. The only limit? Your imagination (and maybe your paint stash)!

FAQs About Gel Monoprinting

Q: What kind of paint works best?
Acrylic paint is the best choice — it's vibrant, fast-drying, and super versatile.

Q: Do I need a press or machine?
Nope! Just your hands, a roller, and a gel plate. Easy peasy.

Q: Can I reuse my gel plate?
Absolutely! Treat it with care, and it’ll last through tons of creative sessions.

Q: What paper should I use?
Anything from printer paper to old book pages — experiment and have fun!

Ready to Get Crafting?– Now It’s Your Turn!

Congrats, Printmaker Extraordinaire!
You’ve just unlocked the secrets of gel monoprinting. Each print is a one-of-a-kind piece, made with love, layers, and a whole lot of creativity. Experiment with different textures, colors, and techniques to create prints that are as unique as you are!

Need a little help getting started? Watch our step-by-step video tutorial to guide you through your first print!

We can’t wait to see your masterpieces! Share your prints and tag us with #KitstersPrintMagic and follow us on Instagram @kitsters.in to get featured. 🌟
Got questions or ideas? Drop a comment below—we’re here to help you bring your wildest print dreams to life!

So, what’s your first print gonna look like?