Backgrounds and Textures: Inkjet Transfers on the Gel Plate!

INKJET TRANSFERS
Here’s great news: you can transfer an inkjet image to paper or fabric with the gel plate! Unfortunately, this only works with black and white pages, and not with color, but it’s a super way to get detail, and there are other ways to add color later.
THE PAPER IS CRITICAL. Standard printer paper doesn’t work as well as a paper with a shiny coating, but DO NOT use photo paper. Apparently some folks have tried it and couldn’t get it off the plate. I use Office Max brand double-sided “business” paper and the good news is that since it is coated on both sides, I can use it twice.
go.janedunnewold.com/inkjetpaper
The process is straightforward: Print an image or text on the inkjet printer. For some reason, color prints don’t print in color, so don’t waste the ink. Choose black and white, even if the image is in color.
Use a clean, dry plate. Put the print ink side down against the plate and rub it all over the ensure contact. Leave it there for at least 30 minutes. Longer won’t hurt, but also won’t help.
When the time has elapsed, peel the copy away from the plate. The ink will have deposited on the surface.
In order to transfer the image to paper or fabric, add a thin layer of paint or gel medium on top of the ink image. Immediately position the paper or fabric over the wet paint, and smooth to make contact. Leave the paper or fabric on the plate several minutes and peel up a corner. If some of the paint or image isn’t transferring, pat the corner down and wait for a few more minutes. If you are printing onto fabric it will be best to wait until the fabric is actually dry. It won’t stick to the plate, and you will get a complete print that way.
There may be a ghost print of the inkjet image on the plate after you’ve pulled the image, but it can be washed off with a little warm water.
TIP: I iron freezer paper to the back of the fabric I am printing in order to stabilize it. The freezer paper makes it a lot easier to get the fabric onto the plate evenly and can be peeled off later, and re-used.
Learn more about my Backgrounds and Textures online class:
www.janedunnewold.com/backgro...
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[@cynthiaconnell]

Hi Jane, I appreciate your video. However, when someone tells me I shouldn't try something, I have to do it. Good news! I tried printing a black and white photo on two sided glossy paper that is for ink jet printers. I tried it both on a homemade Gelli plate and the Gelli Arts plate. They both worked and I only left the photo print on the Gelli plate for 5-10 minutes. I pulled both tests with plain copy paper and while acrylic paint. It works! I couldn't find business paper as I live in Spain. I just found a two sided glossy photo paper especially for inkjet and laser. I used my inkjet printer. Just wanted to share. Thank you

[@BothThingsCreative]

Great!!

[@jodymcknight187]

How did you make a homemade gel plate

[@G.G.8GG]

Super! I've always thought there had to be a way, without finding a different printer. Thank you!

[@BothThingsCreative]

You're welcome!

[@minkaf4243]

Jane, you are such a clear communicator. Always have been.❤

[@BothThingsCreative]

Thank you. I appreciate the compliment and the time it takes to write to me.

[@paenelson]

I have had great success with this method. Thank you so much Jane. I'm using an Epson 3760. Black is the only ink that is pigment so I print in black and white only. An important note is to set the paper to plain paper. The only failure I had was when I set the paper to glossy. The pigment on the paper set to glossy does not smear, but when set to plain it does, which means it will transfer to the gel plate. In fact, you can wipe the print off of the paper with a baby wipe. I leave the printed image on the gel plate for an hour as you suggested. After removing the printed image, I like to apply a thin later of Golden isolation coat, let it all dry and then use paint or soft gel gloss medium to pull the print from the gel plate. After cleaning the gel plate with baby oil to remove residue ink, I actually got a second image from the same printed image.

[@BothThingsCreative]

good point. thanks for clarifying!

[@lindadoll]

Oh thank you so much, i've been using the glossy setting with no success, tried it with the normal paper setting and used glossy paper and it worked great.

[@lindadoll]

I used a small portable epson pixma tr150 printer with great success, thank you

[@lindadoll]

Oops I mean canon

[@1jacobethan]

Do you need to do the transfer right after you print your image from printer, or can you print ahead of time and then do the transfers? Does the ink need to be " fresh" from the printer? Thx!

[@clouda9]

T♥Y for sharing your knowledge. Looking forward to giving this a go once I find the paper you mention.

[@BothThingsCreative]

Make sure you use the black setting on your printer that is NOT for photographs.

[@barbarablake9637]

Great information 😊 I will be trying this out as soon as I get the paper.

[@BothThingsCreative]

Great!

[@angelinamichelle8474]

This is brilliant!!! Thankyou so much for sharing this!

[@BothThingsCreative]

You're so welcome!

[@annickfornos9994]

Hi Jane, This is a great video. I'm new to gel printing, and you really make me want to learn more.

[@BothThingsCreative]

I'm so glad!

[@dorothyscott2730]

Thank you so much, I've been looking for this information ❤❤❤

[@BothThingsCreative]

You are so welcome!

[@jeweligcse4461]

So glad for the warning. Thank you.

[@amoremio6429]

thank you, I will definitely try this technique!

[@BothThingsCreative]

You're so welcome!

[@jenluvz2dance]

excellent teaching! thank you :)

[@BothThingsCreative]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Oh-Mercy]

I really love your videos- right to the point, clear and concise. Thank you. I have been immersing myself in gel printing videos for the last couple of months and I finally ordered one which will hopefully arrive soon! One of the ideas I’ve been thinking of for possible transfers with inkjet is transparency film which I’ve used to transfer onto paper in the past. Have you tried it?

[@BothThingsCreative]

Thanks for the kind words. I haven't had great luck with transparencies on fabric...

[@beverlyhayshouston2770]

I’m not having any luck with regular copy paper. Going to try the slicker paper. It makes sense that the toner would sit on top of the paper.

[@BothThingsCreative]

Try the Office depot brand business paper. NOT photo paper and it should work for you.

[@beverlyhayshouston2770]

@@BothThingsCreative Zero luck with slick copy paper. Some luck with magazines and older books.

[@lynnetteyoung6007]

THANK YOU.

[@queenzummo]

I loved your video. I’m curious to know if you could possibly ink blend distress inks or distress oxide inks over your final print to add some color.

[@maidenfan7117]

You can use laser printer images but you need paint on the gel pad first just like using magazine pages.

[@fatoomgierdien110]

Thank You for sharing your skills. 🙏🤲👌♥️‼️💐Toom@CapeTown

[@BothThingsCreative]

Thanks for watching!

[@wendyanash]

Hi Jane, can you give more detail on paper used please. I’m in Australia and trying to find the paper you have listed. The gloss finish papers come up as photo included in description. Thanks so much 😊. Wonderful teaching for us creatives. ❤

[@catherinerye5017]

Yes I’m in the UK and would like to know too please.

[@BothThingsCreative]

Thanks for your kind words. I get your frustration. It can be hard to source products in other countries...The paper is referred to as a high quality semi-gloss paper and it's semi-gloss on both sides, not just one, like photo paper. It's advertised as being good for brochures. I hope that helps, but you may need to go to a print shop and look at what they have available to actually find it.

[@helenwinter2115]

Hi, can you please let us know if you found a good paper. I also live in Australia and I'm going to check what Office Works have to offer.

[@lindadoll]

hp brochure paper glossy works great too @@helenwinter2115

[@tiggy4062]

​​@@helenwinter2115I'm in Australia too, did you find the paper in Officeworks?

[@irenehynes7536]

Thank you for this video. I am trying to learn more about gel plate printing, and your video was awesome! You explained so well, and gave me some great ideas. I still have to buy the supplies.do you have a list of supplies you recommend? I have a printer and acrylic paint….so I need a gel plate…should I start small? I guess I need a A brayer? And that special business paper…appreciate your Ideas and any help and advice. I’m a fan!

[@BothThingsCreative]

Definitely need a brayer. And the plate, of course. Don't buy from TEMU to save money. They sell inferior products and have 0 customer service. Be aware the not all printers work for this, even if you have the right business paper.

[@lynxlady5355]

AWESOME!!! Love the detail you achieved! Do you need to use that special paper for both steps or could I use artists canvas on the final print?

[@BothThingsCreative]

You can put the print on any background so the canvas should be ok.

[@embush222]

This is important information, exactly what I was looking for. Thank you so much, Jane! I want to create finished pieces a little like the one you showed at the end, but with photos my brother takes. If it is sealed with medium afterwards, I assume you can use any paint/medium after the transfer? Have you tried transfering to wood?

[@BothThingsCreative]

Yes, if sealed you should be able to paint over it. and no, I have not personally transferred any images to wood.

[@janicemackirdy5450]

Yes, agreed, wonderful teaching style. I am still having hit-and-miss success with image transfer and I'm finding it a bit discouraging. I purchased a new inkjet printer , the glossy paper, adjusted my print settings to get as much saturation as possibe. My photo has been on the jelly pad for a half hour now with nothing happening, I'll wait another 30 min and then am wondering if I can use Acrylic pouring medium on the back of the paper to peel away the paper. I've again had some success with this befor on regular copy paper but never on a gelli pad....ideas?

[@BothThingsCreative]

Never tried it. I do know the printer can't be dye based. It needs to be pigment and some printers have two settings, one of each of black. make sure you are using the pigment setting.

[@annickfornos9994]

@@BothThingsCreative Thank you for the information regarding dye and pigment ink. I'm new to gel painting, just started trying yesterday. Unfortunately my printer uses dye-based ink, so I guess that explains why it's not transferring onto the gel pad.

[@julianotraverso9100]

Hi Jane, could you tell me were did you get a gelli plate that size? Thank your tutorial was very helpful!

[@BothThingsCreative]

I bought it on Amazon and I think it was the Gelli plate brand...

[@AnnetteSieger]

Thans a lot your good informations. Very useful! But now I am looking for such a large gelli plate as you. I tried with self Made . But they are not that strong. Can you tell where you got Youri?

[@BothThingsCreative]

I found it on Amazon.

[@libertysvoice6539]

Hello Jane, Your gel plate looks larger than 16x20. Is it a DIY or commercial?May I inquire where you purchased your oversized print plate. Thank you, Jennie

[@BothThingsCreative]

It is a 16 x 20. I'm not aware that they make them any larger...maybe it's the camera angle.

[@annadean8210]

Thanks for a great video. Could you provide a link to the paper you used? I'm trying to source similar paper so looking for the weight etc to help with that. Many thanks.

[@BothThingsCreative]

Try looking for shiny brochure paper from Office Depot.

[@annadean8210]

Thanks, Jane, but I'm in Oz. :)

[@phyllisgrannis6637]

Jane I have tried everything too. Got the exact paper…followed you instructions to the tee and the only time I got anything was when I misaligned paper on the gel plate and took it off and there was some transfer on the edges. So frustrating.

[@BothThingsCreative]

Sorry for the frustration. The fault is usually the printer, either because it uses dye instead of pigment, or has a setting that prevents you from getting a full load of pigment because the printer is on saver mode. Some printers have black dye for one setting and black pigment for another so you have to manually decide to use the pigment. Printers have so many variables it drives people crazy, but that's almost always where the problem is. See what you can find out about your printer because even if it doesn't work for this, at least you would know why.

[@paulligatto8476]

I have an inkjet printer and was looking for a way to transfer black and white text, so this video is spot on. Do you think it would transfer onto a plastic surface, rather than paper (specifically I am trying to transfer onto a Polaroid)?

[@BothThingsCreative]

I sort of doubt it since inkjet remains water soluble. You might get it onto the polaroid, but it would not be stable if it got damp.

[@grahamewebber4038]

Hi thanks for generously sharing your knowledge and techniques. I notice the extra large size gel plate you are using. Did you make this yourself or is it store bought. I live in Australia so access to some products here can be difficult. Regards Grahame

[@BothThingsCreative]

Hi Grahame, I don't know if you can find the larger plate in AU but I know it is sold in the UK. I found mine on amazon, and it was made by the Gelli Plate people.

[@grahamewebber4038]

@@BothThingsCreative thanks for the reply Jane, approximately what size is the gelli plate you are using in this video?

[@evelynbrady3347]

Jane you are wonderful but I’m not having any luck. What printer do you use? Mine is epson ET . Can’t find a place in printer to change to pigment ink

[@BothThingsCreative]

That Epson model might not be one that works. Unfortunately, they are all different. You might google it online and see if you can find a manual that will give you more details.

[@foxylovesterry]

Hi Jane, you mentioned that you can reuse the professional business paper! If so, do you just wipe the paper clean after you transfer the image?

[@BothThingsCreative]

Or use the other side!

[@BothThingsCreative]

Although I just realized what I actually meant by that is that you can often get more than one transfer from the image...

[@redcat1977]

Hola Jane, Saludos desde España. ¿Podrías hacer algún video sobre laminación de papel a tela? Ojalá leas mi comentario😊

[@BothThingsCreative]

I'm so sorry I don't speak Spanish so I am not sure what your question is. Maybe someone will help me out and translate so I can answer you.

[@redcat1977]

Thanks Jane for answering! Excuse my translation into English, it is with a translator. 😊😅 Could you do a tutorial on paper lamination? It's a very interesting technique but I can't get it right. Thank you!

[@marissamvf]

Hi Jane, this is such a random question but I’m wondering what brand of v-neck t-shirt you wear? I’m always looking for a good durable t-shirt. I’m really enjoying your videos!

[@BothThingsCreative]

Sure! I am an equal opportunity teacher and will answer most anything and I love random! I wear Universal Threads from Target and usually buy six black ones at a time and wear them out and then use them for studio clean up. Got to keep the repurposing going!

[@marissamvf]

@@BothThingsCreative Awesome thanks for the info!

[@SimpleReflectiveSpaces]

I love this video and desperately want to try it but I’m in the UK and the link you provide is not available here. Are there any suggestions of brand names of business paper that you could suggest so I can try and get them here? I don’t own a gel plate yet but love the photo idea but don’t want to use magazines (as it’s other people’s stuff) and I don’t have access to a laser printer so don’t want to buy the gel plate etc if I can’t actually use it. Any help gratefully received. Thanks.

[@BothThingsCreative]

I would look for a shiny paper that is usually used for brochures and is shiny on both sides. I hope you find an equivalent.

[@Annettedudenoway]

Hi Jane! I found a business paper from HP in Canada but there is an "everyday" one and a "professional" one. In the description, I don't see a difference but the professional one costs more. Which one sounds more like your paper? Thank you.

[@BothThingsCreative]

Probably the more expensive one (of course!!) DO make sure the finish is glossy and my paper is glossy on both sides...

[@Annettedudenoway]

@@BothThingsCreativeHaha! Thank you! I haven't bought it yet but that will probably be a good winter project.

[@lynxlady5355]

PS - That would be gessoed & sanded artists canvas.

[@BothThingsCreative]

If you are talking about using it as the background, yes, it should work.

[@bingcherry6271]

Please explain the process of the last image

[@uniquelylily1166]

Ths is interesting because others who transfer put a thin layer of black paint down thn the print, wait, and then pull print with a white or titanium white paint.

[@BothThingsCreative]

That's slightly different and usually uses laser copies...

[@Bigbendvistas]

Hi Jane, I have 3 inkjet printers and I've tried using the paper and method you recommend with all 3 printers without success. After waiting 30 min with the image on the gel plate, upon removal, none of the image has transferred to the plate. I'm printing the image in grayscale. I'm using the exact paper you recommend. My printers are both pigment and dye ink. Any advise or suggestions? Many thanks for your wonderful videos! I'm planning to sign-up for Bkgd & Text class!

[@BothThingsCreative]

Hi there, I'm sorry you aren't having luck. When the class ran last time, we had a thread on FB that people shared successes on, and it was very mixed. Dye based printers don't work at all, and some brands of pigment printers were not that great either. I was surprised it was such a crapshoot. That Fb page is gone now so I can't go back and look, but I'll see if I jotted down some of the printers that worked and what brands they were. I'll add it here so maybe that will help you.

[@HeARTworkbyDawn]

I couldn’t get mine to work either. I have a cannon printer.

[@sallyharris5485]

Also no luck here!!! Not even a little bit of transfer. Using Epson Surecolor P400@@HeARTworkbyDawn

[@Paul-uc8vn]

That gel plate is huge, what brand is it?

[@BothThingsCreative]

It's Gelli brand!

[@wendylund2361]

I wonder if transparency film paper would work too. I have some to try

[@BothThingsCreative]

It might but I haven't had luck with it. It usually depends on the printer.

[@MixedMediaArtByTrina]

I have had great success using transparency film to transfer directly to paper using hand sanitizer. 😍 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWmxYqKOgLaIaMUsi=TyyfhYteB9PMahOT

[@754939]

I want to do a picture from my ink jet printer of my granddaughter. Is this going to work with this paper and technique

[@BothThingsCreative]

It depends on the printer as not all work. It needs to be one that isn't dye- based ink.

[@miladyrigel]

I had a student stick regular printer paper image on the plate and can’t get the print image off the gelli plate.

[@BothThingsCreative]

Try baby oil, or as a last effort, try soap and water.

[@PamCoffman-xq2vx]

Do you print on the gloss or matt side of the paper?

[@BothThingsCreative]

Both sides are the same.

[@starrspoter]

u let it sit for a few hours before u peal the paper of? other vids i have seen do like after a few mins

[@BothThingsCreative]

It depends alot on the printer. and also the paper. I've had some that worked after a few minutes and others that took longer.

[@BeanFairbanks]

I am not seeing any links for supplies. My eyes aren’t good enough to read the box the paper is in. Please post the link for the paper

[@BothThingsCreative]

Apologies! Here is the paper I use: www.officedepot.com/a/products/244369/Office-Depot-Brand-Professional-Business-Paper/?region_id=001079&mediacampaignid=71700000113537517_20459718889&gclid=CjwKCAjwyNSoBhA9EiwA5aYlby5jR1hCmwpvTz2NpuCRH-bYmGWqMPiNfWgiT68VwUMw9lsyGyXw_xoCSIYQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[@jamiegossett]

so, no cotton cold press or textured papers?

[@BothThingsCreative]

You can try it but the paper may affect how it looks.

[@sarahwattscasinger1681]

I tried this using my Epson Inkjet printer on double sided brochure paper. It did not work. I let it set for an hour. Could you share the brand of printer you are using, the brand of paper and the brand of the gel plate. Maybe that is the secret to this. It looks very nice and I would really like to try it. Thanks.

[@BothThingsCreative]

It was the Office Max/ Office Depot brand business paper. NOT photo paper.

[@Tmoneytdawg-eo5nu]

Is there a way to do this when you don’t have an inkjet printer?

[@BothThingsCreative]

You can use a laser printer but it's a different process and would not use the same paper.

[@brendadubiel3426]

I'm confused. The print was never lifted. Did I miss something?

[@BothThingsCreative]

It stays on the organza, which is sheer. So it is applied to the background, not transferred from one surface to another.

[@Suzanne2022]

What is the pink?

[@BothThingsCreative]

Acrylic paint marker.