How I Ruined my Gel Plate

I ruined a plate. It's taken me years to figure out how to do it, however I have now done it! But as I duplicated what happened for you in the video with a little experiment, the mystery deepened. What I expected to happen, didn't. One plate was able to be saved. But one wasn't, sort of. It'll make sense by the end of the video.
And if you found this video helpful, check out the Dos and Don'ts of Gel Printing at • The dos and don'ts of ...
The plates that I use are by Gel Press- amzn.to/3uSEyiM - this is an affiliate link so that means I get a small percentage and it doesn't cost you a thing- and you get a great feeling knowing that you're helping to keep the free tutorials coming!
Want to know more about gel printing? Check out my page of printing ideas, tips, and more at bit.ly/2z3O5dC
I’m Carolyn Dube - a mixed media art adventurer who takes the intimidation out of supplies so that you can find freedom through creativity. Play with every color of the rainbow, avoid rules whenever possible, and let the little kid inside of you free through art.
Want to play? Want to know specific ways to let go and have fun? Join the fun in my free mixed media workshop Permission to Play bit.ly/2sdGx2j
You can find me designing stencils for StencilGirl Products, teaching in person and online workshops and sharing the message of O.O.P.S. here on KZbin and on the blog, aColorfulJourney.com
What does O.O.P.S. stand for? It stands for Outstanding Opportunities Presenting Suddenly.
Those “failures” and “mistakes” that we so harshly criticized ourselves about actually became true gifts as soon as you start saying O.O.P.S. Try saying Oops in an angry tone. It makes it even more silly!
I just can’t take myself seriously when I say Oops which is just what I needed to play. I began to play, to have fun, and to embrace all of my “mistakes”.
Want to play? Want to know specific ways to let go and have fun? Join the fun in my free mixed media workshop Permission to Play bit.ly/2sdGx2j
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[@happycluck4163]

I really appreciate when good, professional artists acknowledge they too are human like the rest of us and share your mistakes for the purpose of learning. Thank you!

[@stillpointworks]

The other product NEVER to use on a gel plate is Sculpey clay softener. I use it sometimes in techniques with polymer clay (and also for softening old clay lol) I got some on one of my gel plates once by accident and there was a bad reaction - it damages the plate. Not surprising as it contains plasticisers that can dissolve some types of plastic. I mention this because it looks like thin mineral oil or baby oil but is obviously very different.

[@kellylaflash1016]

My life experience has been that masking tape always breaks down & goes bad a lot quicker than other tapes.

[@Pila426]

Excellent presentation, Carolyn.

[@CarolynDube]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful!

[@victoriousvalentine9779]

I’ve had this happen with really old adhesive tapes - always more than 5 years ( but mine have all been kept inside). I use eucalyptus oil for all glue removal - but then, I’m Australian😉

[@DingoPaints]

Same here matie, I use Eucalyptus oil for all sticky things. Other choice is Orange power, but dont leave it on wipe it clean then wipe with clean

[@shirleyb2896]

Mayonnaise works exceptionally well too!

[@lindyashford7744]

Oh, thanks for the tip. I am in England but I have some of this oil. I have been looking for a solution to tape residue all left by one particular roll, never had a problem with any other tape, only those vile sticky labels that you get on all sorts of things when they are new….

[@9liveslisa]

Thank you for doing this video! I was really interested in what you were going to say. It drew me right in. And I was glad that you were able to salvage your plate.

[@elisamoore4428]

I have used baby powder rub a generous amount onto the sticky let sit then wash with soap and water

[@evetei]

I like your direct, exploratory style, so much fun. Thank you from Canada

[@SillySeamstress]

If it is old, then even the blue painter's tape will cling for life. I found out the hard way there. I put it on my vinyl siding to paint the front porch. Came back about four hours later and the tape wouldn't budge. That was years ago. I think the house could fall down around it, and the areas with that tape will stand fast. You will know if the tape is good or not when you pull it off the roll. If it doesn't come in a perfect strip, then earn two points by making a hoop shot in to the bin. Oil should help in your case. You may have to let it soak overnight.

[@Lazara2023]

You are so kind to talk about this, thank you..🥰

[@ravenfeaster5821]

You know....gold flakes would do well on those little sticky spots!!

[@Cyrilmc222004]

Thank you so much Carolyn, that was really really helpful and useful too. It’s amazing what you can find out by accident? Isn’t it. Glad you saved your Gelli plate too. Please stay safe and well too xxx Mags

[@dadsongs]

I sincerely want to say that your approach to and presentation of the subject matter was by far the best I've seen in a long time. I watched with my wife, who -- although not a maker -- was thoroughly captivated. Kudos, and keep it up!

[@chickeemama1]

I swear I’ve always had problems with that color tape! I won’t even buy cream/ beige masking tape anymore. I’ve messed up mosaics and when I was painting walls and using it. Your awesome btw! I always am inspired by you

[@G.G.8GG]

I love your wit and your delightful delivery! Thanks for the heads up on this. I ruined another kind of project with some old masking tape once as well. It just goes gummy.

[@indigoblue1114]

Carolyn, You are fabulous! Thanks for all you share.

[@mjmjacqueline8397]

Very very helpful, thank you! You are so clever working this out!!

[@heidimartinez5221]

I love your videos! Thank you for sharing so many ideas...including your mistakes!

[@TheKazadoodle]

Masking tape is about the only thing I throw out once it gets old. The adhesive just doesn't hold up over time and becomes gummy.

[@kkrolf2782]

I’ve found the gumminess disappears altogether and the paper part becomes crispy and the whole thing becomes a year-ago exercise in futility, if I use it on boxes stored in the garage!!

[@kristiegoldenart]

Sometimes, if it's like here in Texas, it'll get hot or too much humidity it'll change.

[@juliekeimig7220]

Very interesting. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences.

[@suefalls1600]

Love it! What an experiment for us! Thank you💖💖💖💖💖

[@ellenschmidt3005]

I enjoyed watching this video! As for glitter, I have a love/hate relationship with it; it's wonderful on projects but it ends up clinging to everything else!!

[@allthumbs3792]

Very interesting, Carolyn! I’ve noticed old masking tape gets brittle and odd and if left long on a surface it doesn’t remove cleanly. Thank you for warning us to avoid the old stuff on the gel plate! Nice flip side save, too!

[@CarolynDube]

Masking tape is a bit of character isn't it!

[@PaulWalesArt]

Carolyn you are a global gel plate hero!

[@phoebebaker1575]

You’re such a scientist!

[@UnderstandBlue]

I LOVE this video!!! Thank you!

[@janenef]

Same thing happened to me with packing tape. Devastating. New tape. I kept pulling papers on and off and then cleaned with alcohol, followed by soap and water. I took out another new roll of tape from same order and it works fine. I hoped not to repeat the icky sticky slime problem. But my inner scientist insisted I experiment. Now that I saw your video, and know it happened to you too, although with a different tape, I know we are probably not the only ones. My gelli plates are years old, and had been unused for several years. I am glad to report they are doing fine as I re-explore old and new techniques. I took one of the first workshops you gave. I feel like we are old friends. Thanks for posting this video.

[@vivienblignaut7959]

Thanks for this insightful video!

[@gwynnedjackson3871]

Great video! Very informative!! Thanks so much!!

[@lindsayhill3265]

I find old tape. The adhesive does crazy stuff. Especially masking tape.

[@elsiecampbell4858]

Your video was excellent! You are an wonderful teacher.

[@donna6516]

Disaster averted! I've also noticed that old tape of any sort seems to break down over time. Chemical change perhaps? Old age has done a number on me, so why not on tap! Maybe Scotch should consider putting on an expiration date or a "buyer beware" warning! As for glitter, I had to laugh. I taught second grade for many years and holiday projects always involved glitter -- and some was usually still stuck to our tables and in need of razor blade scraping at the close of the school year. A little glitter goes a long way and that stuff clearly doesn't have an expiration date! Have you ever tried mixing embossing powder colors?

[@SmokieBlueRose]

Thank you for the tip!

[@juneribbons5196]

That's awesome. Love the end resultI've saved your video as a reminder what not to do and how to make this a happy accident lol !! I'm thinking that it was the age and the exposures that the older tape experienced that caused the gummy goo to stick to your plate. I'm happy that you found a way to rescue it.

[@angelaf5040]

THANKS for sharing this!!!! Wow! 😲

[@Cchouette]

Thanks for sharing this 😊

[@rtd1791]

Awesome. I have wondered what will ruin a plate. This was a fun video. Now I want to try clear embossing ink on a plate; I’ve never done that. Or foiling glue for that matter. Last Christmas I bought all of Gel Press’s mini plate collections. I don’t particularly like some of the shapes so those are the plates I use if I’m worried a process will harm a plate. I will use these plates with my foiling and embossing and old masking tape experiments.

[@janellej1]

My friend recently used the Glossy side of photo paper on her gelli arts plate and it ruined it Started to warp, stretch and disvolve the plate. Has to be because of the chemicals used on the paper to lock in ink when running through your printer. So don't use that!

[@TheTrashStash]

i recommend taking the gelli to the deli. your local butcher will be happy to throw the plate onto the slicer. make sure to ask for the slicer to be set around 2, this will give it a thin shave that will get the whole top layer and avoid an un-even slice. also make it very clear that you want one slice only, otherwise he may get carried away and slice the whole plate.

[@DebbieJsCraftingCorner]

WOW! That is so cool!

[@naturewoman1274]

Love your top Carolyn

[@francescacaraffini9556]

Superlove! Very thanks!

[@robinalcorn5140]

You are just too much fun. Queen of OOPS!

[@NotAfraidofColor]

Oh, I like your Gibran quote!

[@normajeanbray5960]

Great. Video, thanks.

[@joya.5616]

Thank you so much for sharing this. :)

[@deborahmclean8941]

Did you try the packing tape over the goo to see if it would pull it up?

[@annthrope8611]

I know this is completely off topic, but I love the design of the shirt you are wearing. That is the kind of design I'm always trying to make with my gel plate.

[@Andi.Plans2]

I loved this!

[@jas8815]

Since packing tape works so well to remove dried paint, do you think it would have removed the sticky stuff? You didn't say specifically whether or not you had tried it, so I was wondering.

[@LoriPeace]

I was just coming here to ask about that! :) Great minds...

[@ChrissieNicely]

Great idea! I have old masking tape and noticed it deterioating, too. So, I guess that tape has a "use by" date even though it my be decades after menufacturing! 😅 However, you can tell when it's ripe for the bin because it is hard to pry from the roll - at least mine was - and it tears more easily as it comes off the roll. Mine used to be "normal" years ago so I think it's just aging and not the manufacturing process changing.

[@bonnieisabelle3641]

Good video. Another thing you might be able to use on the stickiness that the embossing powder didn’t cover might be deco foil. Not the kind that needs to be heat set

[@TheDemt]

Thank for the warning

[@maggiefletcherscuriouscelt4199]

Yep it leaves a film on packing boxes, plastic, etc.

[@CarolynDube]

Thanks for sharing- that hasn't happened to me but I'll be on the lookout for it!

[@ilove2paint]

Old masking tape always misbehaves. It makes tears on paper too. I guess the acidity in the glue and the tape will get stronger as time goes by? or simply the glue gets weird when old. Glad you still have the other side! 😁👍

[@EstellaBanks]

Very informative video! Thank you for sharing your "mistakes" that are, in reality, opportunities to experiment! [Please consider adding closed captions.]

[@CarolynDube]

Glad you enjoyed it. KZbin automatically does the captions, but it takes them a little bit to do it. So if you watched the video as soon as it was released, they may not have been there since it varies for how long it takes it to process.

[@sharynackerley2611]

Try Eucalyptus oil. It usually removes the stickiness.

[@tsulehisanvhisystem9352]

I've used some older olive oil to remove adhesive from tape and stickers

[@crystalgaye63]

Thanks, I would never have been brave enough to try embossing powder!

[@kathleenrothman]

Awesome! Going 2 buy a gel plate !! Love this 🥰👍🌼🌟🌈☮️

[@cherylalikhani5957]

Thank you for the video. Cool idea. 😜😆 First thing I would have tried would have been to drench it in hand sanitizer then massage and gentle rub at it until my hands screamed stop then go but a gentle solvent and hope it doesn't damage the plate further and if that it work, I'd flip the danged thing over.

[@barbarahill6365]

This same thing has happened to me just using the old painters tape on other items-like masking windows for painting. I think the tape must change chemically when exposed to the baking in our garages.

[@_littlefish_]

Have you tried treating the plate with disinfection or similar alcohol solution? You even can buy label remover based on alcohol and oil. That might help.

[@mcescher1957]

I really enjoyed this video....proof that you can't always save everything forever. Just a heads up. I noticed that you have a Ranger Heat it tool. Usually, this type of heat gun is not real great for embossing...even Tim Holtz doesn't emboss with it anymore. He has a more powerful gun (mine is NOT shaped like a hair dryer lol) and he has said that the Heat It tool, while fantastic for drying paint and stain etc. on projects, it's just not powerful enough to do a great embossing job. As you noticed...it takes FOREVER! Just thought you might like to know!! Thanks for the video!

[@karenwoolsey1169]

Hahahaha! Holy moly, I thought I was the only one that happens to, except it wasn’t a gel plate that I ruined it was an art project. I have discovered that real old masking tape will do that. I think over time, when it’s old like that, the glue starts to break down some, and gets what, stickier? I can tell you from experience that gel plates aren’t the only thing that can get ruined. Mine was a skinnier, not as wide, tape that was about five years old. I wanted to use it to create some designs on a gel Print I had done. Once I put paint to paper and let it dry, I pulled on the tape, and the paper ripped. It wouldn’t come off without taking the top layer of the paper off. The glue was very gluey, and I struggled to get the tape off the roll, so that should’ve told me something. But it’s what I had on hand. Also, I discovered old artist tape will do the same thing, but not as bad…it just sticks to the roll and won’t come off without ripping🙄. Lesson learned.

[@CarolynDube]

Thanks for sharing what tape has done to your stuff when it gets old! I was so surprised since the tape wasn't gooey at all on the roll but clearly went that way on the plate.

[@robinsutton4952]

Our landlord used old masking tape when he painted our windows. Needless to say, it cracked a window, left residue even using tape remover. It’s a back window so I told him to just leave it. The other window will permanently have paper/tape on it. It too is in the back so I don’t care. The one with paper/tape actually is kind of artsy looking.

[@ArtyAntics]

This was such a cool happy accident! Have you tried swiffer cloths for the glitter clean up? They really do work! I wonder if it was heat out in the garage that caused the glue on the old tape to go sticky as I have seen that happen before when I used a heat gun on a mixed media page and the tape went the same way. Once it got hot it went stringy and remained tacky but couldn't actually stick anymore.

[@PhoebesWorldProductions]

Oh no!! Your pour plate!! =( COOL!!! I'm glad you were able to find a way to use it anyway! =) That's beautiful! =)

[@PhoebesWorldProductions]

PS, I'm glad you were able to save the 2nd plate! =)

[@Taiga9191]

Thanks for this video! Is there any way that you know of to get texture dents out of a Gelli plate? Maybe rub with mineral oil? I covered my plate with a paper towel when I stored it, and the paper towel left tiny impressions. Any info would be helpful. Love your video.

[@ecfinan626]

Very helpful. I wrecked my gelplate by putting aluminum foil and it became wrinkled and the impressions stayed. 🙃

[@ramonalee1]

Undo will get any sticky off of anything with no damage.

[@tvance3207]

I like what you did great texture! Did you use Undo on your gel plate? it takes stickers off of things and sticky stuff on old photos without hurting the old photos

[@DeerheartStudioArts]

Did you try Goo Gone? I use it for removing sticky labels from containers that I recycle for my own use.

[@Rebeccacell]

I’d worry that might interact with the plate

[@bcarithers22]

I’m new to printing with a gell plate. I made mine a couple of days ago. I sprayed water on it and it left a lasting impression of the spray. I also used a pallet knife on it, which sliced it up. So I flipped it over, that night I put a sheet of thick plastic on it. Oops I stuck to it so badly that it ripped pieces up. So, I ripped it up and zapped in the microwave and melted it down an recast it. I picked out a few stray remnants of paint. It is just like new! I also wanted to tell you that have charming personality and great teaching methods. Thanks!

[@ykrgfk]

In an attempt to both clean off and lift as print some crusty paint gunge, I once used woodworking glue rather than paint or gel medium. Disaster. A fair bit of the paper surface was left seriously stuck to the plate. The paper I pulled off was pretty exciting stuff and I love what I made of it, but... I did eventually get it clean with alcohol, soapy water, sponge and careful use of fingernails etc - but it took me about an hour and a half. One thing I never have got off is graphite marks - I accidentally dropped a sheet of used tracing paper onto the plate. The marks are still there. Fortunately it doesn't actually show on prints that I pull from that plate. It was fortunate, also, that the tracing paper had only a couple of marks that I've learned to ignore. I shudder to think how I'd have coped if it had had a fuller, more detailed picture traced onto it! Keep used tracing paper well away from your gel plate!

[@kimberlywalker1015]

Cute crating space!🙂🇺🇸🙂

[@iranka71]

the reason why it became as that is the humidity from the plate. the adhesive of the tape is not so dry but its settling time is enough for adsorbing some water from the gelatin. interesting would be to rub it with mineral oil after rubbing alcohol to remove the old adhesive layer. Also, did you see how the tape ended? in other words, was it still sticky? if so, then it was just the first layer of old adhesive

[@beenice9867]

You can’t leave any tape, glue, paint, etc. in a garage, the fluctuation of temperature will destroy most things.

[@tanialaplante]

Have you tried rubbing alcohol? I use it to take off stickers like the ones Home Sense uses and stickiness from underneath labels off jars and the rubbing alcohol won’t hurt the gel plate. Id love to hear if it worked.

[@FreshLounger]

Some photo papers will stick to a Gelli Plate (the manufactured ones.) However, I have used photo paper on homemade jelly plates without an issue.

[@stephanievoltolin1241]

I was able to clean off the tape gum with a Clorox wipe and a lot of pressure.

[@howlingwind1937]

I wonder if you used the packing tape to remove the sticky gummy glue, would that work, then maybe you would have to cover the paper with the powers, except that it gave you a new artistic experiment that worked well. Thank you for sharing.

[@JamieZoeGivens]

Jaw-Dropping!!!!

[@CarolynDube]

Thanks Jamie!

[@Malmo117]

Thanks for the info. Have you ever put mineral oil on your gel plate as a conditioner? I saw that idea elsewhere and wondered if it works.

[@paprluvr]

I don’t put anything with glue in my garage. I live in Florida & most of the time it’s like an oven in there. It destroys any glue.

[@LoriFahy]

its easy to remove that sticky stuff.. just use Orange oil. you can buy it in a orange bottle from the supermarket. I used to use it on polished floors at work to remove chewing gum and have used it on the most sensitive things. The brand is Planet Ark.

[@jayllbird]

Would this method work with dried on residual paint?

[@CynicalSim]

Would Undo work to remove the sticky adhesive?

[@EsteeDarla]

How can I get my art work on to shirts like you are wearing?

[@virginiacollins9320]

Doesn't matter if they have to be stored room temperature are can they get cold really cold weather like in as she shed? It's cause I really like your videos thank you

[@kazoomi2]

Old tape, masking tape and even washi tape gets gummy. I’ve had some washes that can’t even be pealed off the roll. Old glue goes bad too. It’s just a chemical aging issue.

[@glynisrice8578]

Did you try eucalyptus oil to remove the sticky stuff? It will remove most tack left behind after tape removal.

[@Trueo9re]

The masking tape does have a warning on it not to leave it on surfaces too long. I would assume the glue on the masking tape deteriorates with time. I have an old roll of masking take and the tape is hard to peel off as the glue seems to have melted and welded the tape together. Rule of thumb, don't use old tape.

[@albertgriffin7901]

Do you have a video of your craft room? Need some inspiration thanks.

[@DebadooCreates]

Girl, When you said you had ruined your plate, and you pulled out another big plate to do it again, you took 5 yrs of my life. And I'm getting old so that's a big deal. LOL. As you know those plates aren't cheap. I've got a six-by-six but I really want to get a big one when I can. Glad you were able to save your plates!! I'll mostly be using mine with ink at least for a while, but the packing tape trick is really good to know for getting old paint off. Now I'm off to watch your do' and don'ts.

[@kristinahansson4688]

Most glues / tapes can be removed with oil, try with baby oil as it is recommended to clean the jelly plate with!

[@Kimberlymogan]

Did you ever try those yellow adhesive remover erasers ?

[@janetvisochi-baum7572]

thank you Carolyn - this is good info to know - but i do have one quick question lol - would we be able to use Goo Gone on a gel plate? its the stuff they make to remove the sticky residue that price and info labels leave behind - or would that damage the plate hmmmm lol - but thanks for showing this - our gel plates are special to us : )

[@mcescher1957]

I can't imagine not being able to use Goo Gone (or Desolve-It) as basically they are just orange Oil. Desolve-It (basically the same thing as Goo Gone) has been used to remove things like tar from burn victims, that's how gentle it is!

[@janetvisochi-baum7572]

@@mcescher1957 thank you

[@CardsbyMaaike]

all tape can turn gooy when it's old, it's not the plate. but great video to watch

[@susane945]

Fantastic!! I like your thinking outside the square there Carolyn! I love the luminescence of the sparkly clear embossing powder! 😊❤️🌸

[@ibkristykat]

I dried mine out on accident by storing mine on those acrylic bendy cutting mats from the Dollar tree... then using rubbing alcohol to clean it. It kinda dried it out soooo much the plates not tacky. But. I still get ok pulls. It's not perfect though lol

[@carolinecarsted7705]

Butter is the best for removing sticky gumminess. Smear geplate with butter . Let sit a while then was'h with mild dish soap. The buter acid dissolves the tape glue. If it doesn't all come off just put more butter on, wait and wash. Voilà.