Monoprinting is the process of creating individual prints using printing plates in combination with water-based or oil-based inks or paint. A monoprint is a single print, thus you have to re-ink your plate and recreate your image each time you want to pull a print. It is a simple, spontaneous and fun way to introduce yourself to printmaking and to produce your own original prints.

Monoprinting and monotyping are very similar. Both involve the transfer of ink from a plate to the paper, canvas, or other surface that will ultimately hold the work of art.

In the case of monotyping the plate is featureless. It contains no features that will impart any definition to successive prints. Monoprints, on the other hand, are the results of plates that have permanent features on them such as an etched or engraved line. Gelatin can be used to make the plate for either application.

Our Monoprint Gelatin is a unique blend specifically designed for the purpose of printmaking. We select the highest bloom strength Type A gelatin to create a clear, durable plate. This is not the soft, food grade product that you would purchase at your local supermarket. We have added an anti-foaming agent. It is common for foam to build up during the mixing process of any gelatin. This can be troublesome in an artistic application.

How much to use:

1. Determine your gelatin plate mold.
2. Fill your mold with water and weigh it. This is the total weight of your finished plate.
3. Calculate 94% of the total weight as water and 6% of the total weight as gelatin.
   Example: your mold is an 11” x 17” x 1” pan that holds 4.25 lbs of water.
   94% of 4.25 lbs is 4 lbs and 6% is .25 lbs. So you will need .25 lbs of Monoprinting gelatin and 4.75 lbs of water to make this plate.

Conversions and Equivalents

Listed below are some measuring equivalents for your convenience. We recommend weighing the water and gelatin for accuracy. If you do not have access to a scale, you can use the information below to determine the quantities you will need to make your plate.

Water:
1 gallon is equal to 8.338 lbs or 16 cups
1 cup is equal to .50 lbs
1 cup of water will gel with 2 Tablespoons of Monoprinting Gelatin

Monoprinting Gelatin:

• 1 Tablespoon is equal to 7 grams or ¼ oz
• .25 lbs is equal to 4oz or 16 Tablespoons
• 1 lb of Monoprinting Gelatin will gel 32 cups of water (2 gallons)

Directions

• Determine your mold size and the quantity of water and Monoprinting Gelatin you will need.
• Prior to heating the water, pour half of the total amount of water to be used into your mold. Sprinkle the gelatin on to the water's surface and allow the gelatin granules to hydrate.
• Bring the remaining water to a boil. Carefully pour the boiling water into the mold with the hydrated gelatin mixture. *Pour slowly and gently to avoid introducing too much air to the mixture, which will create bubbles.
• Gently stir to completely dissolve all of the gelatin granules.
• Gently drag a piece of newspaper across the top to remove any foam or bubbles that may have formed.
• Let the gelatin gel for about 30 minutes before moving it. Then refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
• Carefully un-mold your plate. To remove your gelatin plate from the mold, gently slide a spatula or knife along the edge to separate the plate from the mold.

Hints, Tips and Tricks:

• Always use a mold that will produce a plate at least 3/4 inch thick.
• Use non-stick pans or non-stick cooking spray whenever possible to un-mold more easily.
• After un-molding, allow the plate to dry out by letting it stand in room temperature for about an hour.
• To remove any bubbles on the surface gently drag a piece of newspaper across it before refrigerating.
• Adding a few drops of chlorine bleach or cinnamon oil to the water, will help extend the plate's life.
• Do not dispose of the gelatin in the sink or even the garbage disposal. Put it in the trash.
• Make a unique mold by using a sheet of glass with walls/edges made from clay. Once the gelatin has set un-mold by simply removing the clay edge.
• To reuse your plate, wrap it with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator.
• Increasing the amount of gelatin to water ratio will produce a stronger plate. Decreasing the amount of gelatin will produce a softer plate.