How to Create Gorgeous Background Papers on Your Gel Plate! (secret sauce...water splotches)

Learn how to make stunning gel printing background papers with my "secret sauce": water splotches!

In this gel printing tutorial, I’ll show you step-by-step how to create background papers that are perfect for mixed media art, collage, bookbinding, block printing, journaling and scrapbooking.

What are background papers?

Unlike regular gel prints, background papers have no specific design printed on them. Instead, they’re made by applying layers of paint directly to paper, creating beautiful color blends and textures. They can look grungy, smooth, dreamy, or painterly—it’s all in the technique!

In this video, you’ll learn:
🎨 How to layer paint on your gel plate for unique background effects
💧 Water splotch techniques—using your fingers, a spray bottle, or a paintbrush
🌸 How I created a Monet-inspired impressionistic background paper
📜 The best papers for gel printing—from regular printer paper to heavy cardstock

Background papers are ideal for:
• Gel printing projects
• Handmade books and journals
• Block printing bases
• Collage and mixed media layers
• Scrapbooking backgrounds

Whether you’re new to gel printing or want to add a fresh background technique to your art, this step-by-step video will help you make background papers you’ll reach for again and again.

✨ Watch now and start creating your own beautiful background papers with water splotches!

📕 FREE Gel Printing Supply List:
https://jenna-mclean-art.mykajabi.com...

🎬 Instagram: check out my gel printing reels & tips @jennagelprints

👉 There’s also a gel print playlist here on Youtube!

DISCLOSURE: the free Gel Print Supply List contains links to Amazon, and I am a member of their affiliate program. If you click on the links to Amazon and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission.

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:20 What are background papers?
01:02 Water splotch background papers
02:17 Supplies you’ll need
02:46 1st project
07:22 2nd project
09:47 Get a free gel print supply list

The beautiful Impressionist painting on the left side of the video thumbnail is "The Terrace, St. Tropez" by artist Paul Signac.l

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