Noah Sinclair
Solid nail gel is a type of nail polish that can be used to create long-lasting, intricate, and stunning nail designs without spending a ton of money at a salon. The application process involves several steps, including nail preparation, the use of a base coat, the application of the solid nail gel, and curing under a nail lamp. The gel is temperature-sensitive, so it's important to store it properly and ensure that the nail surface is free of oils before application. The key to a smooth and even finish is to apply thin layers of the gel, keeping the brush at a 45-degree angle and maintaining a 1mm distance from the nail skin. With the proper technique, solid nail gel can provide beautiful and long-lasting results for at least two weeks.
How to use solid nail gel:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Press the brush repeatedly to remove the protective glue until it becomes soft. Wash with water or nail polish remover, then use cotton pads to absorb excess moisture. Soak the brush in base gel for 1 minute, then use cotton pads to absorb excess moisture. |
| Application | Choose nails that fit your nail size. Take a moderate amount of solid nail glue gel on the nail tips, press and adjust the nail position and fix it. Make sure there are no air bubbles. Cure for 3-5 minutes. Apply rubbing alcohol to all edges of nails. |
| Removal | Use a cuticle pusher or nail stick to gently pry open the fake nail. If it's not coming off easily, do not force it. Keep the nail stick in the gap and apply more alcohol between the nail bed and fake nail. Repeat if necessary. |
| Tips | The curing time depends on the power of the nail lamp and the thickness of the solid glue gel. Dark colors such as black, dark green, and deep yellow may not allow light to penetrate effectively, resulting in poor adhesion. Dehydrate your natural nails and get rid of oils with alcohol or acetone before application. |
| Uses | Can be used as nail glue to stick acrylic nails, fake nail tips, or soft gel nail tips. Can also be used as rhinestone glue gel to stick glitter diamonds and other beauty nail decor. |
| Advantages | Long-lasting and easy to use. Stronger adhesion than liquid glue after curing under a nail lamp. Does not harm nails, does not flow, and does not stick to hands. |
| Brands | Mithmillo, Leafgel, and Madame Glam offer solid nail gels. |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the nail gel brush by removing protective glue and washing it
To prepare the nail gel brush for use, start by removing any protective glue. Press the brush repeatedly on a surface until it becomes soft. You can then wash the brush with water or nail polish remover, using a cotton pad to absorb any excess moisture.
It is important to remove nail glue safely to protect your natural nails. Avoid using harsh chemicals or attempting to scrape the glue off, as this can damage the nail bed. Instead, opt for safe and effective methods such as soaking your nails in warm soapy water or using acetone.
Acetone is a great way to remove super glue from nails. You can find it in most nail polish removers or buy it from a local food store or pharmacy. Soak a cotton ball or pad in acetone and place it over your nail, or rub it onto your nail bed. This will help to dissolve the glue, making it easier to remove.
To protect your skin and cuticles from the acetone, you can apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to your nail beds and the surrounding skin. If you have sensitive skin, be sure to choose an acetone-based nail polish remover that is designed for sensitive skin. After removing the nail glue, your cuticles may be dry, so be sure to apply cuticle oil to moisturize and nourish them.
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Prep your natural nails by removing oils and buffing
To prepare your natural nails for solid nail gel, you must first dehydrate them to remove any oils. You can do this with alcohol or acetone. Next, use a buffing tool to rough up the surface of your nails. This will help the glue adhere better and last longer. Take your time with this step, and be sure to buff the entire nail surface evenly. Once you have finished buffing, wipe your nails clean with an alcohol pad.
The next step is to apply a base coat. The base coat will provide a smooth, even surface for your solid nail gel application. It will also help the colour go on more evenly and reduce the chances of any lumps or bumps. You can also use a cuticle pusher to gently push back and shape your cuticles. This will ensure the glue bonds directly to your nail bed and not your skin, which will help the press-on nails fit more comfortably.
After buffing and applying the base coat, your natural nails are now ready for the solid nail gel application. Be sure to follow the specific instructions for your chosen nail gel product, as curing times and application techniques may vary.
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Choose the right viscosity of gel for your nail art
When it comes to choosing the right viscosity of gel for your nail art, it's important to consider the look you want to achieve and the level of detail you'll need. Viscosity is simply a measure of how thick or thin a liquid is, and this will impact how easy the gel is to control and how long it takes to dry.
Let's start with high-viscosity gels. These are bold and perfect for creating texture and depth. They don't run into your cuticles or edges, so they're great for sculpting and 3D art. If you want to make a statement with your nails, go for a high-viscosity gel. However, keep in mind that thicker gels may take longer to cure under UV light.
Medium-viscosity gels are the Goldilocks of the group – not too thick, not too thin. They're versatile and can be used for overall nail coverage or when you're exploring different nail art styles. These gels are slightly thicker than thin-bodied gels, providing a good grip, and are excellent for creating curves and contours.
Now, let's move on to low-viscosity gels. These gels are graceful and smooth, ideal for natural nail overlays or intricate designs. They're perfect for adding fine lines and subtle details to your nail art.
It's also worth noting that curing time may vary depending on the viscosity of the gel and the brand. Thin liquid gels usually harden faster than thick gels, but always refer to the product instructions for specific curing times.
Lastly, consider the colour of your nail gel. Dark colours like black, dark green, and deep yellow may not allow light to penetrate effectively, resulting in poor adhesion. In this case, a semi-solid glue or a medium to high-viscosity gel would be a better option.
Remember, practice makes perfect! Get to know the different viscosities, experiment, and have fun creating your nail art masterpieces.
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Apply the gel in thin layers, floating the brush on top
When applying solid nail gel, it is important to apply the gel in thin layers, floating the brush on top. This technique ensures a smooth and even application, allowing the gel to spread easily and evenly across the nail.
To start, prepare your nails by removing any dead skin or cuticles that may prevent the glue from bonding directly to your nail bed. You can use a cuticle pusher to gently scrape away any dead skin and push the cuticles upwards. This step ensures that the nail glue can adhere directly to your nail, creating a stronger bond.
Next, you'll want to dehydrate your natural nails to remove any oils. This can be done using alcohol or acetone. After dehydration, use a buffing tool to rough up the surface of your nails, creating a slightly textured surface for better gel adhesion.
Now, it's time to apply the solid nail gel. Take your brush and gently dip it into the gel. Start applying the gel at the base of your nail, closest to your cuticle, and gently float the brush on top of the nail, moving towards the tip. Apply the gel in thin, transparent layers to allow light to penetrate and cure the gel properly. This technique is especially important if you are using glittery or chunky nail gel, as the particles can obstruct the light from curing the lower layers.
By floating the brush on top of the nail, you can control the placement of the gel and create a smooth, even surface. Avoid adding pressure, as this can remove the product from the nail. Instead, gently guide the brush across the nail, allowing the gel to spread and self-level. You may need to apply two or more coats, depending on the desired opacity and the consistency of the gel.
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Cure the gel under a nail lamp
Curing gel polish is a process that requires intensive training to master. However, with the right technique and patience, you can learn to cure your gel polishes perfectly every time.
Gel polish curing involves using a specially designed UV or LED lamp to seal and harden the gel nail polish on your nails. This process is known as polymerisation, which causes the molecules in the gel polish to bond together, forming a solid layer of colour that won't chip or wear off easily. The curing time for gel polish depends on the wattage of the nail lamp, the type of gel polish, and the thickness of the solid glue gel. The higher the wattage of the lamp, the shorter the curing time. For example, a 36W nail lamp can dry general gel polish in 1-2 minutes, while a 9W lamp will need about 6 minutes, and a 48W lamp will only take approximately 1 minute.
Before curing, it is important to prepare your nails by removing any dead skin from the cuticles and pushing and shaping the cuticles upwards to allow the gel to fit comfortably on the nail bed. You should also dehydrate your natural nails to get rid of any oils using alcohol or acetone, and then use a buffing tool to rough up the surface of your nails before wiping them clean with an alcohol pad.
When curing your gel polish, ensure you read the manufacturer's directions to know how long a cycle is required; some may only need 10 seconds, while others could take up to 45 seconds. If you have a lamp with just one button, press it for shorter cycles or hold it down for longer ones. Check the instructions from your lamp's producer so you can use their product correctly. Remember to cure each coat under the lamp, including the base and top coats, so they can all be adequately sealed for long-lasting results.
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Frequently asked questions
Before using solid nail gel for the first time, repeatedly press the brush and wash it with water or nail polish remover to remove the protective glue. Then, soak the brush in base gel for one minute.
First, prep your nails by dehydrating them with alcohol or acetone and removing cuticles with a cuticle pusher. Next, apply a base coat. Then, apply the solid nail gel in thin layers, floating the brush on top of the first layer to guide the product. Finish with a top coat.
Apply rubbing alcohol to all edges of the nails. Then, use a cuticle pusher or nail stick to gently pry open the fake nail. If it is not coming off easily, do not force it. Instead, apply more alcohol between the nail bed and fake nail, and repeat the process.
