Description

Derivan Printing Gel is a versatile art medium primarily used in silk screen printing. Use to keep acrylic paints from drying and clogging the mesh, allowing for multiple prints. It also acts as a transparency reducer, diluting paint for see-through effects.  This also then serves as an inexpensive, effective craft glue for paper, working on paper, board, and fabric (with fixative).

Use Derivan Printing Gel by mixing it with either Derivan Student or Derivan Acrylic to keep the colours workable and prevent blocking the screen mesh. Use this medium to make many prints  at one time without having to clean the mesh between every print. Screen printing can be done on paper or board.

To use Derivan Printing Gel:

Mix it with Derivan acrylic paint (student or Matisse) for silk screen printing, usually in ratios like 1 part gel to 3 parts paint. Your mixing ratio will depend on your requirements for your design.  Create a slower-drying, transparent mixture, or layer ink for paper/fabric, or use it for monoprinting with gelatine plates. Make a temporary frosted glass film by applying it directly to clean glass, washing up with water and soap.

• Mix: Combine your chosen Derivan acrylic paint with the Printing Gel, starting with about 1 part gel to 3 parts paint. Mix equal parts for more transparency.
• Adjust: Mix thoroughly until it’s a consistent, stretchy ink. Adjust the ratio for more transparency (more gel) or opacity (more paint).
• Print: Apply the mixture to your screen and pull prints on paper or fabric.
• Clean Up: Wash screens and tools with lukewarm water and soap; dried ink dissolves in soapy water.

For Gelatin Plate Printing (Monoprinting):

• Apply Paint: Roll acrylic paint onto your gelli plate.
• Add Texture: Press natural items (leaves) or stencils onto the inked plate.
• Print: Placing paper on top, rub gently, then peel back to reveal your mono print.