Speedball Gel Plates have been designed specifically for monoprinting with watersoluble printmaking inks, as opposed to acrylic paints.
They have a unique formulation and are firmer than other gel plates, with a higher tack to the surface. These design differences are intentional so that when used with printmaking inks artists can achieve incredible detail in their printed image, with less squish and slip of colour. Acrylic paints and encaustics do not perform well on these plates and can potentially dry on the plate and become difficult to remove.
Use soap and water to clean off the printing inks. Store the plates in their clamshell packaging to avoid picking up dust and lint and to protect the surface. Do not stack the clean plates against each other, but separately with the cover sheets included in the packaging.
Ideally, they should be used with Akua Inks and Speedball Inks. The only acrylic paint range Speedball recommends is Golden Open Acrylics. This is because they have an extended drying time.
