Caleb Foster
Three-dimensional nail art is a creative way to add texture and dimension to your nails. Popularized in South Korea and Japan, this trend has taken the world by storm, offering a unique way to express yourself through visual stories on your fingertips. With the right tools and techniques, you can easily create stunning 3D nail art on gel nails at home. From cherry blossoms to strawberries, the possibilities for cute and creative designs are endless. In this discussion, we will delve into the fascinating world of 3D nail art, exploring the steps to achieve this look, the products to use, and the endless design options available. So, get ready to give your nails a trendy makeover!
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What You'll Learn
Prepping the nails
Firstly, ensure your nails are clean and dry. This is essential as any oil or residue on the nails can affect the adhesion of the gel polish and nail art. Use a gentle nail cleaner or alcohol to remove any impurities. You can also wipe your nails with acetone to ensure they are free of any oils.
Next, pay attention to your cuticles. Gently push back your cuticles and ensure they are neatly trimmed. This step helps create a clean canvas for your nail art and improves the staying power of the gel. It is also important to avoid using cuticle oil or moisturizer after prepping the nails, as this can interfere with the adhesion of the products.
If you are applying press-ons, the next step is to apply double-sided tape to the nails. This will help the press-ons adhere securely. However, if you are creating 3D nail art directly on your natural nails, it is beneficial to use cuticle oil to nourish and strengthen your nails. This step will help prevent your natural nails from breaking under the weight of the textured design.
Once your nails are clean and prepped, you can start creating your 3D nail art using the products and techniques of your choice. Remember to follow the specific instructions for the products you are using, such as curing times and application methods.
By properly prepping your nails, you can ensure that your 3D gel nail art will last longer and look its best.
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Using nail art molds
3D nail art molds are typically made of flexible silicone rubber and can be used with different materials such as acrylic powder, gel polishes, solid builder gel, and solid nail tips glue. There are two types of nail art molds: 3D and relief. The 3D nail mold has small holes of different shapes to create three-dimensional charms such as letters, hearts, and bows, while the relief mold has slightly protruding patterns to create sheet-like designs like butterflies and flowers.
Before using a mold, it is important to clean it with alcohol or nail cleaner to avoid impurities in your designs. You can also apply a gel top coat after adhering the design to your nails to make your nail art last longer. There are two common methods for creating designs with a 3D silicone mold:
Method 1: Color Gel + 5-in-1 Top Coat
- Choose a gel polish and mix it with a 5-in-1 top coat on your palette.
- Put the mixed gel into the mold and fill it up, using a tweezer or brush to remove any bubbles.
- Take out the design by slightly bending the mold to match your manicure.
- Use nail glue to stick the design onto your nails.
Method 2: Solid Builder Gel or Solid Nail Tips Glue
- Choose a pattern and apply gel polish over it. Note that ordinary nail polish cannot be used as it is difficult to remove, even when dry.
- Hold a scraper card at a 45-degree angle and gently scrape off any excess gel from the design.
- Remove any remaining excess after curing, if needed.
The main difference between these two methods is the products used. Method 2 is more convenient because you don't need to mix anything; simply put the solid builder gel or solid nail tips glue into the mold. Additionally, the relief mold is beginner-friendly, as it is easy to clean and adjust according to the shape of your nail bed.
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Applying a base coat
To apply 3D nail art on gel nails, you will need to start by preparing your nails. Push back the cuticle, buff the nail bed, and wipe nails with acetone to remove any oil. You can also trim your cuticles to improve the staying power of the gel.
Now, you are ready to apply a base coat. Choose a builder gel, such as UV builder gel, or a sculpting gel. You can also use polygel, but this may be harder to work with. Apply the gel to your nails and cure them under a lamp.
If you are using a nail art mold, you will need to clean it with alcohol or nail cleaner to avoid impurities in your design. Then, choose a pattern you like and apply gel polish over it. Use a scraper card at a 45-degree angle to gently scrape away any excess gel.
Once your base coat is cured, you can move on to creating your 3D design.
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Creating 3D designs
Creating 3D nail art can be done in several ways, and it's a trend that's been popularized in South Korea and Japan, emerging from the Harajuku fashion movement. The appeal of 3D nail art is that it takes creativity to another level, offering a new way to tell visual stories.
One way to create 3D nail art is by using a 3D nail art mold. First, clean the mold with alcohol or nail cleaner to avoid impurities in the design. Choose a pattern you like and apply gel polish over it—note that ordinary nail polish won't work here. Then, holding a scraper card at a 45-degree angle, gently scrape off any excess gel. Next, apply a top coat to the pattern and cure it for 30-60 seconds. Take out the design with tweezers and use a small amount of nail glue or clear gel to stick it to your nails. You can press it to fit your nail surface or adjust it to create a three-dimensional effect.
Another method is to use a clear gel and then powder on top. You can use a UV builder gel and then apply a coat of no-wipe gel top coat so that the metallic chrome will stick. Dust away any loose chrome powder and finish with a top coat. You can also use builder gel, hard gel, or structure gel—these are all the same product with different names. Acrylic or polygel can also be used, but polygel may be too solid and hard to work with for this application.
If you're creating 3D nail art at home, you can use a clear builder gel to create your design. Paint your design with a liner brush or dotting tool and flash cure it under your lamp. You can then use liner gels or a clean liner brush dipped in gel colour to go over the raised design. Magic Extender Gel can also be used to sculpt out 3D designs, which you can then paint over with gel colours.
If you're creating 3D nail art on press-ons, prep the nails by gently pushing back the cuticle, buffing the nail bed, and wiping nails with acetone to remove any oil. Apply double-sided tape and avoid using cuticle oil or moisturizer, as this can ruin the adhesive. For natural nails, use cuticle oil to keep them hydrated and healthy so they won't break under the textured design. Clean your nails and trim your cuticles to improve the staying power of the gel.
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Adding the finishing touches
Now that you've created your 3D nail art design, it's time to add the finishing touches to make your manicure last and look its best. Here are some tips to perfect your 3D nail art:
Firstly, consider applying a top coat to protect your design and add shine. If you've used 3D powder, a top coat before applying the powder can enhance the effect, especially if you use a matte top coat. You can also use a no-wipe top coat, which is porous enough for any metallic chrome to stick to. After applying the top coat, dust away any loose powder with a soft brush.
If you're using nail glue to attach gems, decals, or charms, apply a layer of soft builder gel before the top coat to ensure the decorations last longer. This technique, favoured by nail artist Isa Rodriguez, can make your nail art last a month or more.
To make your 3D nail art pop even more, try using black polish as a base for chrome designs. Nail artist Rodriguez recommends this technique to make the chrome truly stand out.
Finally, if you're creating 3D nail art at home with a mould, remember to clean the mould with alcohol or nail cleaner before use to avoid any impurities in your design. This will ensure a flawless finish.
With these finishing touches, your 3D nail art on gel nails will look salon-perfect and last for weeks. Enjoy your creative and unique manicure!
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Frequently asked questions
If you are getting press-ons, gently push back the cuticle, buff the nail bed, and wipe nails with acetone to remove any oil. Then apply double-sided tape. If your 3D manicure is going directly on your natural nails, use cuticle oil to keep your natural nails hydrated and healthy.
You can use Solid Builder Gel, Solid Nail Tips Glue, Acrylic Powder, Gel Polishes, or Clear 3D Studio Gel.
First, clean the mold with alcohol or nail cleaner to avoid impurities. Choose a pattern you like and apply gel polish over it. Then, holding a scraper card at a 45-degree angle, gently scrape off the excess gel. Apply a top coat and cure it for 30-60 seconds. Take out the design with tweezers and use a little nail glue or clear gel to stick it to your nails.
Nail artist Isa Rodriguez applies black polish mixed with a thicker gel on a thin brush to establish the shape and height of the design, before brushing the chrome powder on.
3D nail art can last for up to three weeks if you've followed proper prep and application.
