GETTING STARTED
We have gathered some tips and instructions to help you care for your Gel Press plate and get the most out of your prints.

STORAGE
  • We recommend keeping the original pieces of clear plastic filmand replacing them on the gel plate for storage. There will be air pockets whenyou replace the film. We recommend smoothing out as much air as possible. Takecare not to trap any debris or paint residue between the mylar and gel plate.
  • Our clamshell package is designed to be used for storing your gelplate. The plate can also be stored on a smooth tray or piece of glass. Alwayskeep your gel printing plate laying flat on a smooth, clean surface.
  • We recommend keeping the label with instructions that comespackaged with your gel plate, but do not leave directly in contact with the gelplate.

  • THE BASICS

  • We recommend using acrylic paints. It is not necessary to cleanthe plate between prints, unless desired. Paint residue can contribute tosurprising and pleasing results.
  • There is no need to clean your plate between prints, but it isrecommended to clean your plate before storage and remove all paint residue atthat time.
  • We do not recommend using dyes when printing on the plate (suchas rubber stamp inks, spray inks and fabric dyes) as the gel will absorb someof the dye and become permanently stained. However, stains will not affectprinting performance.

  • EASY CLEAN UP

  • Acrylic paints can be easily cleaned from the plate with mildsoap and water. Rinse and gently pat the gel printing plate dry with a papertowel.
  • Gel hand sanitizers (such as PurellĀ®, etc.) can be used to removepaint residue on the plate. Simply rub onto the plate and wipe clean with apaper towel.
  • Baby wipe products can also be used to clean your gel printingplate.

  • MAKING YOUR MARK

  • Fun textures are easy to find ... to get started, try usingbubble wrap, plastic grids, foam stamps, stencils, leaves and string to createinteresting imagery on your plate.
  • For hand drawn mark-making, use soft-tipped tools like paintbrushes, cotton tipped swabs or soft rubber-tipped tools.
  • Do not use pointy tools such as pencils or toothpicks. They mayscratch the gel plate surface and leave permanent marks.

  • ESSENTIAL TO KNOW

  • The gel printing plate has an extremely sensitive surface andwill imprint any texture it is sitting upon or covered with.
  • Do not cover your gel printing plate with plastic wrap or waxedpaper. Also, do not place your gel plate on these materials. These wraps willwrinkle and imprint their texture on your gel printing plate.
  • The gel printing plate is made of a unique plastic that containsmineral oil. The gel plate will leach a small amount of harmless mineral oilwhen left sitting on an absorbent surface.
  • We recommend you protect your work surface by placing your gelprinting plate on a smooth, flat, non-porous barrier such as a TeflonĀ® sheet,baking tray or piece of glass.
  • Do not place your gel printing plate directly on a surface thatmay absorb the harmless mineral oil, like a wooden table.
  • The gel printing plate may exude a small amount of harmlessmineral oil when exposed to warm environments. This is normal and, when wipedoff, will not affect printing performance.
  • Keep away from open flame and other heat sources. The gelprinting plate is for art and craft use. It is not a toy.