Help & Answers
Questions, answered slowly.
Everything from shipping and kits to the little gel-printing mysteries that show up once paint hits the plate.
What is Drop Art?
Drop Art makes curated creative kits for slow, screen-free evenings. Each drop is a self-contained creative ritual — materials, a short guide, and just enough structure to start making without overthinking.
What's the difference between a Base Set and a Drop?
The Base Set is your permanent toolkit — plate, brayer, paints, and essentials you keep. A Drop is a limited add-on with new materials and a theme. Our first Drop arrives in December — start with the Base Set and you'll be ready for it.
Do I need any experience?
No. The Base Set works for first-timers and experienced makers alike. If you can roll paint and peel paper, you can print. Our Library and the free pocket guide walk you through a first session step by step.
How long does shipping take?
We ship across the EU. Orders placed before 15:00 on working days ship the same day, and you'll get a tracking update once your kit is on its way.
Can I gift a kit?
Yes. Everything is in one box, so the Base Set makes an easy gift. Questions about sending it to someone else? Get in touch and we'll help.
How much paint should I use?
Less than you think. Start with a small line of paint and roll it out in several directions until the plate is evenly covered with no beads. A thin, even layer prints cleaner detail than a thick coat.
My paint is drying too fast on the plate. What can I do?
Acrylic dries fast, especially when it is warm. Use less paint at a time, keep the room cool and out of direct sun, and move quickly from rolling to pressing. A little acrylic extender or retarder mixed into the paint can also give you more working time.
Why is my paint beading up and refusing to roll out?
A thin film of oil from the gel can sit on a new or stored plate and gently repel water-based paint. Wash the plate with mild soap and water and pat it dry. If paint still beads, try a thicker acrylic — watery paint beads more easily.
My paper is sticking to the gel plate. Help?
That usually means too little paint, or paint that has started to dry and gone tacky. Add a touch more paint and work a little faster. If the plate feels tacky, wash it with mild soap, pat it dry, and start again with a fresh thin layer. Peel slowly from one corner.
Why do my prints look muddy or blurry?
Too much paint fills in texture edges, and printing over wet layers blends colours into mud. Use thinner coats, keep to two or three colours, let a layer dry before the next, and peel slowly for a cleaner reveal.
How do I clean and store the gel plate?
You don't need to clean between every print — leftover paint often makes lovely ghost prints. When you are done, wipe the plate with a baby wipe or a damp cloth, with a little mild soap if needed, and let it dry. Store it flat, covered on both sides with plain white paper or the protective films it came with, away from heat and direct sun. Avoid plastic wrap and wax paper, and strong chemical cleaners.
Can the plate stain, and is glossy paper okay?
Some pigments can lightly tint the plate. For a pigment stain, rub it with a little baby oil, then wash with mild soap. Dye-based inks such as stamp pads or fabric dye stain for good, though they do not hurt printing, so we suggest sticking to acrylics. Skip glossy photo paper — it can stick and is hard to peel. Smooth printer paper, lightweight cardstock and tissue paper all work well.
Still stuck? We're happy to help.
Contact us