The Secret to Successful Gelli Plate Image Transfers

Let’s face it: image transfers onto a gel plate can be, well… cantankerous. I hear it from customers and potential customers all the time.

“Question… I have a black and white HP Laser printer and have had challenges getting image transfers from my own photos (despite how much contrast etc I throw at them). Will I have more luck with your downloads? Thanks so much!” – Trish

I hear you. I am constantly testing and transferring my image designs, and there are days I just want to toss my gel plate through a closed window.

Don’t bother trying this yourself. They just sort of splat and stick to the glass.

So what is the secret to a good Gelli Plate image transfer? While there are no fail-proof options, the following steps have improved my image transfer success rate several times over. The same can be said for customers who have tried this approach.

Again, from Trish:

“I am trying very hard right now not to use the f-bomb but I am … stunned.”

“I don’t know if it’s the paper you reco’d, the depth of your image files or the double coat of black but… it works!!

I’m so grateful to you for pointing me in all the right directions. And ps - your images are spectacular.”

(You know I had to leave that last bit in there.)

So let’s cut to the chase. If you’re struggling with gel plate image transfers, try these steps together:

1. Watch and study this video by LeAndra Kay Art: Perfect Laser Print Image Transfer With This Easy Technique
   https://youtu.be/IigP3YQxalI?si=uIH9a1dJ2b8N-v-y
2. **Use this paper: https://amzn.to/492oscD
   (Note that it is FAST drying and glossy, but does not say photo paper.)
   Yes, it says inkjet — and yes, I am using it with my laser printer.
3. Use two thin layers of paint (per the video) for the image transfer. Be sure the first layer is 100% dry before applying the second layer and transferring. I have the best success with this paint: https://amzn.to/4nmwuSA.
   Heavy body paints also work with this method, but there is a learning curve.

Tips:
This transfer will occur much faster than ordinary copy paper image transfers. Practice with small images and peek under the paper in as little as a few seconds to start. I am in a more humid climate (55%–72% humidity), and 6–12 seconds to transfer works for me.

Also note: I am not putting the paper through my printer twice, nor do I have a color laser printer/CMYK setting. However, I do have my Brother printer’s settings set to high resolution. Each of my image bundles comes with a Getting Started PDF to help with this.

Of course, there are the usual disclaimers. I am not responsible if this paper eats your plate or the paint eats your brayer, etc. This is simply what I’ve found works for me — and for others.

**CAUTION: This glossy paper can grab right onto your unpainted gel plate with the grip or a thousand black holes. Do not set it on your naked plate. Only try it with a quick trasfers on a paint-coated plate. Pull off quickly! If you prefer to use copy paper I recommend the Hammermill 32 lb. I find for me it gives richer results than generic copy paper.

Take Trish’s final words for example:
“I swear to god I feel like I just discovered penicillin :)”

What more do you need to know?

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FYI: I just used this fabulous double paint method in my new YouTube video: Tie-Dye on Your Gel Plate Revisited: Getting the Perfect Image Transfer at: https://www.youtube.com/@Gel_Inspirations