Image of monoprints made with a faux gel press technique, by Nicole Watt at Nicole Watt Creates

How To: Make Gel Prints without a Gel Press (Faux Gel Press Printing)


Gel prints are all the craze. If you don’t have a press and aren’t sure you’ll have fun with one, try this technique first! Results may vary, but it will give you an idea of how gel printing / monoprinting works and if it’s something you want to do more of. (I think you will!)

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supplies for faux gel press printing

You don’t need much to achieve great results. In fact, you don’t need anything special! Of course, if you need to do some shopping, I always have supplies linked below and at the end of the post. But, before you shop, be sure to check out my Crafty Sales page for any deals you can take advantage of at your favorite crafting haunts.

Image of monoprints made with a faux gelli plate technique, by Nicole Watt at Nicole Watt Creates

Looking for more specials and deals from your favorite craft stores?
Check out my Crafty Sales page – UPDATED DAILY!


steps to create faux gel prints

  1. Apply a layer of acrylic paints, Distress paints or ink sprays to silicone mat. If using paints, smooth out the layer with a brayer.
  2. While the layer is still wet, explore creating different textures or patterns with stamps, stencils and other tools.
  3. Smooth a piece of cardstock or resume paper over the mat and rub smooth. Pull the sheet from the silicone mat.
  4. Repeat the process adding different colors and patterns to the silicone mat, pulling up paint in part or entirely on various sheets during your session.
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watch the technique tutorial

My How To tutorial videos are filmed with real-time narration. You can pull out your supplies and follow along because there’s no editing, except for drying time. Pause when you need to, but otherwise, get ready and create right along with me!

How To: Create Gelli Prints without a Gelli Plate (Faux Gelli Plate Printing) | Craft Technique

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