Laser Print Transfer on a Gel Plate

In this video I review the process that helped me to get a successful laser print transfer.
Working with a gel plate can be hit or miss, so don't give up. Practice and experience is the key to success.
Points to know:
* High contrast images work best - I used my photo editor to make my image black and white and punch up the contrast.
*It helps to run your image through the laser printer twice to build up the toner that acts as a resist.
*Priming the gel plate first seems to help.
*Don't overwork your paint, it may begin to dry.
*When making the image transfer, apply a gentle touch, just enough to make contact with the gel plate, then lift quickly.
At this point I let it dry before making the transfer to paper.
Trouble shooting:
Some reasons the transfer didn't work:
-the image didn't have enough toner (resist) on the laser print.
-you pressed too hard when making the transfer, remember, the laser print should make gentle contact with the gel plate.
-Too much or too little paint on the gel plate. This is something only experience can teach you. Also the paint you use will determine this as well.
To learn more about about making your laser print ready for transfer I recommend videos by: SuperRopeman - he gives details about how to print your image twice as well as image transfer.
Yeates Makes - he shows details about editing your image to make it ready to print as well as image transfer.
Check out my other videos on gel plate printing for more detailed instructions on my process.
Thanks for watching.
See more of my art and latest projects here:
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/StarluStudio
Instagram: / starlustudio
Website: www.Starlustudio.com

[@brainspoke]

this is by far the most concise description! many thanks for the summary of most important points :)

[@starlustudio1498]

Glad it was helpful!

[@glowycloey]

This is exactly what I was looking for. Ty.

[@starlustudio1498]

Glad you found this helpful!

[@zoeg7985]

In your experience Should the paint be thin or thicker for the first print /transfer of the laser print? Thanks

[@starlustudio1498]

I lean toward an even layer of light to medium thickness of craft paint...If it is too thin it will be transparent and if it is too thick it won't pick up all the paint and leave a transferred image. My advice is to try different thicknesses with the paint you are using to learn what works best.

[@marybethbarrett4816]

what printer do you use?

[@starlustudio1498]

I use an HP Laser Jet Pro M15w.

[@annajavier5712]

What type of paper do you use?

[@starlustudio1498]

I believe I'm using Canson Mixed Media paper here. I have used reclaimed paper from books, wax paper and Bristol as some of my preferred papers as well.

[@annajavier5712]

@@starlustudio1498 thanks

[@_H_2023]

When you're finished using the plate and putting it away first prime the plate with Johnsons baby oil before boxing it up that way the plate will not dry out too quick.

[@starlustudio1498]

Great advice. Thanks for the tip. :-)

[@gailpz4764]

Fantastic ! What paper did you use please.

[@starlustudio1498]

@@gailpz4764 I typically use Canson's mixed media paper as well as Bristol.

[@gailpz4764]

@@starlustudio1498 thank you so much, happy printing x