≡ Menu

How to Use Gel Printed Tissue Paper

Ever get an idea and then halfway through then realize what you’ve gotten yourself into?  That was what happened with the journaling on this page.  It takes a lot of writing to fill a page lol! But it did create the look I  

Start with some gel printed some tissue paper. You can see how I used my Figments of Imagination stencil and mask set to make this paper in this gel printing video.  

When you’re doing the journaling, you can use any pen or pencil you want.  I chose a fine tipped fountain pen because it is waterproof.  Why? Because wet stuff is going to be put on this on the next layer.  

In case you weren’t sure, this was a lot of journaling.  My hand let me know that this was more handwriting than I usually do but I did get a whole lot of thoughts out!

To glue the tissue paper down, use a runny glue. It is important that it is a runny glue if you want the tissue paper to disappear once it’s glued down.  

You’ll need to be generous with the glue. If you use too little glue, the tissue paper won’t disappear as much.

But using all that runny glue on paper means it is at great risk of buckling.  To prevent that, put a piece of wax paper or other non-stick surface on it. 

Then weight it down with anything you have nearby so that the pressure of the objects on it will keep it very flat while it dries. It usually takes overnight to dry, but that varies depending on how much glue you used and how dry or humid it is.

Just a quick title glued on, and this art journal was done!  Want more gel printing fun?  I’ve got a page of gel printing resources for you here including the Dos and Don’ts of Gel Printing.

Here are the supplies used. Some of these links are affiliate links which means I get a small percentage. It doesn’t cost you anything extra and it helps keep the free tutorials coming!


{ 7 comments… add one }

Leave a Comment

  • Barbara West February 21, 2019, 8:37 pm

    This is a very cool technique! Just a comment – it’s the ink that’s waterproof, not the pen. Platinum Carbon Black Ink is fantastic, although you do have to be pretty diligent about cleaning out your pen more often than you do with some other inks.

  • Karen February 22, 2019, 8:04 pm

    This is just too cool! Thank you for sharing!

  • Maureen Bartling February 23, 2019, 10:18 am

    great video! Love the tissue paper idea.

  • Liz February 23, 2019, 10:49 am

    What tissue paper do you use? I love that it completely disappears, thank you for sharing.

  • Arie Strobel February 23, 2019, 12:03 pm

    I have been using white coffee filters instead of tissue paper. Last night I even ironed a stack of them before using – but that’s an optional stem. Although my iron was glad to be dragged out of the closet since it’s never used on clothes! 🙂
    Your attitude and encouragement are wonderful. Thank you.

  • Gee February 25, 2019, 8:58 am

    Yes!! Could you tell us what kind of paper you used? It seemed more sturdy than mine and less wrinkly (sp?).
    Thanks for the great videos and your wonderful cheerful self.

    • Gee March 4, 2019, 5:50 am

      Ok found it in another post! Dick Blick tissue. I ordered a pack and I can’t wait to try it.