Gelli Arts® Gel Printing with Masking Fluid by Marsha Valk

 

Hi there! It’s Marsha here today!

It’s no secret that Gelli Arts® gel printing is my favourite pastime. However, another favourite thing is mixed media art journaling. For today’s post, I’ve combined the two.

I’m sharing how I create two multi-layered mixed media prints, pretty much simultaneously. I jump from one to the other and back again.

A super fun supply I use in the process is masking fluid.

 

Masking fluid is a watercolourist’s staple, used to prevent watercolour from contaminating the parts of the paper that the artist wants to keep white.

I, however, like to use masking as a layering tool in gel printing. And, instead of applying it to keep the paper white, I use it to allow a peek at some of the background layers of my gel prints.

Watch the video to see what I mean:

 

There are a few essential things to keep in mind when working with masking fluid.

The paper (or the paint on your print) needs to be dry before you apply or remove masking fluid. 

And, it would be best if you also allowed the masking fluid to dry before you start gel printing over it. 

While you can speed up the drying time of the paint on your print with a heat gun, you can’t use heat on masking fluid. 

The substance needs to air dry, which can take some time depending on the thickness of the layer you’ve applied.

 

As said, it’s just as important to wait until the paint on your print is completely dry before you start rubbing the masking fluid away. 

Even if the paint feels only slightly damp, chances are you’re going to damage the print by rubbing it. So patience is key here! 

Don’t forget to share your gel prints with us on Instagram using #gelliarts and #gelliartsmade. We love to see your work!

Have lots of fun experimenting with masking fluid and freestyle layering!

 Marsha. 

 

 

Materials: 

Gelli Arts® Gel Printing Plate 8″ x10″

4″ roller

Gelli Arts® Mini Printing Tools

 

Other: 

Acrylic paint (Medium body and fluid)

Paper (I prefer drawing paper)

Masking fluid

Silicone shaper

Cosmetic sponge

Textured (fibreglass) wallpaper

Glue eraser

Acrylic markers

Magazine clippings

Glue stick

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