You can get started with just a few supplies. I’ve listed some of my favorites with Amazon affiliate links. It doesn’t cost you extra, but I get a small percentage if you purchase any of these using one of my links. All support is greatly appreciated but you find a better deal, go there! Also, nothing beats shopping small whenever possible.

Gel Plate

Best brands are Gelelf, Gelli Arts, Gel Press and they come in a variety of sizes.

Gel Press 8x10 Plate https://amzn.to/4bOiYUU

Gel Press 8x10 + 5x7 https://amzn.to/4yuBdbU

Gel Press 5x7 https://amzn.to/4wWD5bL

Gelli Arts 9 x 12 https://amzn.to/3R5SFTl

Gelli Arts 8x10 https://amzn.to/4wWD5bL

Gelli Arts 5x7 https://amzn.to/4wWD5bL

GELELF 9X12 https://amzn.to/4b1tojY

GELELF 8X10 https://amzn.to/4yE4IIo

GELELF Plate 5x7 https://amzn.to/4yygOm3

Brayer

I like to work with a couple of brayers at a time. For me, 2 in different sizes are great to apply the paint. Sometimes having an extra larger one (4-6 inches) is nice to have to roll on the back of the paper when transfering but not necessary. You can use your hand or a baren.

One Gel Press 4” Brayer https://amzn.to/4aYZPzn

Speedball Soft Rubber Brayer https://amzn.to/3TewZ86

Paint

Paper

I like Liquitex Basics as it is affordable, easy to find, and works well. I have also found success with cheap craft acrylic paints such as Michael’s house brand, Craft Smart and Apple Barrel brand.

Amsterdam Acrylics are also a favorite among the online community of Gel Plate artists. There are plenty of brand options that work and you may want to experiment with others but I will just link these.

Acrylic Paint- Liquitex Basics 4 Oz/12 Count https://amzn.to/3TMr22i

Liquitex Basics .74 Oz/12 Count https://amzn.to/3T6wjBM

Amsterdam Primary Set 4 Oz /5 Count https://amzn.to/4vF8fDr

Amsterdam .6 Oz /12 Count https://amzn.to/4fPJlMI

Apple Barrel 2 Oz/16 Count https://amzn.to/4fv7IOr

I think starting with cheap copy paper is an excellent way to go when just learning but you can use a variety of papers with different and interesting results.

HP Papers BrightWhite 24 lb |1 Ream https://amzn.to/3Rn8wwT

UCreate Printmaking Paper https://amzn.to/4fQIs6s

GELELF Printmaking Paper https://amzn.to/3RvZT2V

Yasutomo Hanshi Rice Paper https://amzn.to/4hs8TRa

Neenah Index Cardstock 90 lb./163 gsm, White, 300 Sheets https://amzn.to/4fPBPBr