Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Whether you’re a seasoned gelli printer or just starting your mono-printing journey, getting a crisp image transfer can feel like a game of chance. In this video, I’m putting three different paper types to the test to see which one delivers the ultimate "perfect pull."
We’re stripping things back to basics using a laser printer and a high-contrast palette of **Amsterdam Carbon Black** and **Titanium White**. To ensure we don't lose any detail during the final lift, I’ll be using **wet strength tissue paper** for all the pulls.
\What’s on the Bench?
I explore the pros, cons, and my honest impressions of these three techniques:
1. **Plain Copy Paper:** The budget-friendly standard. Does it hold enough toner for a clean break, or does it leave too much behind?
2. **Varnished Copy Paper:** I experiment with spraying standard paper with a **gloss varnish** before printing. This DIY hack aims to create a non-porous surface—but is the extra step worth it?
3. **Photo Paper:** The premium contender. Known for its slick surface, we see if the toner sits on top for an effortless release or if it’s too finicky for the gel plate.
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### What You’ll Learn:
* The ideal paint-to-plate ratio for laser transfers.
* How different paper textures affect the "grab" of the acrylic paint.
* My personal favorite method for achieving fine lines and deep blacks.
**Which result surprised you the most?** I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments—let me know which of the three prints you think turned out best!
gel plate image transfer, gelli plate printing, laser printer transfer, Amsterdam acrylics, image transfer tutorial, DIY gloss varnish paper, photo paper image transfer, wet strength tissue paper, mono-printing techniques, mixed media art, printmaking at home, carbon black titanium white, gelli plate tips
Whether you’re a seasoned gelli printer or just starting your mono-printing journey, getting a crisp image transfer can feel like a game of chance. In this video, I’m putting three different paper types to the test to see which one delivers the ultimate "perfect pull."
We’re stripping things back to basics using a laser printer and a high-contrast palette of **Amsterdam Carbon Black** and **Titanium White**. To ensure we don't lose any detail during the final lift, I’ll be using **wet strength tissue paper** for all the pulls.
\What’s on the Bench?
I explore the pros, cons, and my honest impressions of these three techniques:
1. **Plain Copy Paper:** The budget-friendly standard. Does it hold enough toner for a clean break, or does it leave too much behind?
2. **Varnished Copy Paper:** I experiment with spraying standard paper with a **gloss varnish** before printing. This DIY hack aims to create a non-porous surface—but is the extra step worth it?
3. **Photo Paper:** The premium contender. Known for its slick surface, we see if the toner sits on top for an effortless release or if it’s too finicky for the gel plate.
---
### What You’ll Learn:
* The ideal paint-to-plate ratio for laser transfers.
* How different paper textures affect the "grab" of the acrylic paint.
* My personal favorite method for achieving fine lines and deep blacks.
**Which result surprised you the most?** I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments—let me know which of the three prints you think turned out best!
gel plate image transfer, gelli plate printing, laser printer transfer, Amsterdam acrylics, image transfer tutorial, DIY gloss varnish paper, photo paper image transfer, wet strength tissue paper, mono-printing techniques, mixed media art, printmaking at home, carbon black titanium white, gelli plate tips
