Andrea Huffman: Mixed Media Fiber Artist

Textile Fine Art Inspired by the Tropical Environment
 
 

Gelatin Plate Recipe

This information is a gathered from a variety of resources. This is not my original recipe, but the result of trial and error from a number of sources.

Gelatin Plate Printmaking                                                                                                                                                                                                           www.andreahuffman.com

 

 Printing Plate Recipe:

The basic recipe is 2 heaping Tablespoons of gelatin to 1 cup of liquid

(One box (4 packets) to 1 cup of water. )

  1. put half of the total amount of water (cold) in a bowl,
  2. sprinkle in the gelatin and stir to dissolve,
  3. bring other half of water to a boil.
  4. add the hot boiling water.
  5. Gently stir until completely dissolved.
  • Skim foam and bubbles of the top and pour into your level pan. Skim the bubbles of the gelatin again once you have poured it into the pan.
  • Let gelatin harden slightly on the countertop first and then store in the refrigerator. After it is hardened you can cover it with plastic wrap.

 

For a more durable plate:

Replace COLD water with Glycerin and Alcohol. I used:

  • 6 TBS. gelatin
  • 8 oz. glycerin*- PLUS enough Isopropyl alcohol to = 1.5 cups
  • ****Cold water can be used instead of alcohol in this mixture, also.
  • Dissolve gelatin in glycerin/ alcohol mixture, stir with whisk
  • Add 1.5 cups boiling water, continue to stir until lumps are dissolved.
  • CAUTION- AS YOU ADD HOT WATER, IT WILL RELEASE THE SMELL FROM THE ALCOHOL. DON’T’ PUT YOUR FACE DIRECTLY OVER THE BOWL.

*I now buy food-based glycerin on Amazon because I use it for other household uses. Easier to find and less expensive

A few tips to remember:

  • You can make a large plate and cut into smaller ones.
  • I mostly use water soluble block printing inks, but occasionally acrylic based textile paints
  • When done, I wipe thoroughly with sponge and water and allow to dry before storing
  • When storing, I place a piece of plastic between each plate and stack them.
  • When the plate begins to break down or crack, I clean thoroughly, usually with a Lysol-type wipe, being sure to get in cracks and edges to remove any paint residue.
    • Cut plate into chunks in a microwave glass bowl (not used for food) and melt in batches.
    • When melted, pour into your pan/mold to set.