Ava Monroe
Watercolour gel nails, also known as aquarelle nails, can be achieved using acrylic paint and water. You can also use normal watercolours over a matte top coat. There are also specific watercolour gel polishes available to buy from cheap brands on Amazon, as well as potentially more reputable brands.
How to do Watercolor Gel Nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Paint | Acrylic paint and water |
| Other Options | Watercolor gel, normal watercolors, alcohol ink |
| Coat | Matte top coat |
| Tutorials | YouTube, Instagram |
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What You'll Learn
What products to use for a watercolour effect
To create a watercolour effect on your gel nails, there are several products you can use. One simple method is to use normal watercolours over a matte top coat. Alternatively, you can use acrylic paint and water to achieve the same effect.
There is also a product called "watercolour gel" that you can purchase from Amazon or other retailers. This may be a convenient option if you are looking for a product specifically designed for creating watercolour nail art.
Another option is to use alcohol ink, which can be applied directly to the nails to create a watercolour-like effect. You can also try using blooming gel, which some people have suggested may create a similar watercolour aesthetic.
Additionally, you can explore online tutorials on YouTube or Instagram for more inspiration and ideas. These can provide visual guides and step-by-step instructions to help you achieve the watercolour gel nail look you desire.
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Using acrylic paint and water
Watercolour gel nails, also known as aquarelle nails, are a fun and creative way to express yourself. This low-maintenance nail art is simple to achieve at home and is perfect for those who love to experiment with nail designs. You can use acrylic paint and water to create a watercolour effect on your nails. Here's how:
Prepare your nails:
Start by applying a base coat to your nails. This provides a smooth surface for your design and helps the paint adhere better. You can use a regular base coat or, if you prefer, apply two coats of white nail polish for a more opaque coverage.
Mix your paint:
Choose three colours of acrylic paint that you would like to use for your design. Acrylic paint is quite thick, so you will need to dilute it with water to create a watercolour consistency. Place the paint in a small dish or on a piece of tin foil, and gradually add water to thin it out. Mix the paint until it reaches a watery consistency, as this will help you achieve that watercolour look.
Apply the paint:
Using a thin paintbrush, apply the watered-down paint to your nails in a random pattern. Remember, the looser and more irregular the pattern, the better it will resemble a watercolour painting. If the paint becomes too dry or thick while you're working, use your paintbrush to add a small amount of water directly to the nail and mix it in with the paint.
Create your design:
Feel free to experiment with different colours and techniques to create unique designs. You can try mixing colours directly on your nails, adding small amounts of different colours and allowing them to blend together. Remember not to overwork the colours, as this can affect the watercolour effect.
Seal your design:
Once you are happy with your design and the paint is completely dry, apply a glossy top coat to seal and protect your watercolour gel nails. This step will also help your nail art last longer.
And that's it! You now have beautiful watercolour gel nails using acrylic paint and water.
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Using normal watercolours over a matte top coat
To create a watercolour effect on your gel nails using normal watercolours, you will first need to apply a matte top coat. Once the top coat has dried, you can begin to apply the watercolour. Using a small brush, gently dip it into the watercolour paint and then lightly touch the brush to your nails, allowing the paint to bleed and create a watercolour effect. You can play around with different colours and techniques to create your desired look. It is important to note that normal watercolours may not be as long-lasting as other types of nail paint, so you may need to retouch your nails every few days. Additionally, you can seal the watercolour with a clear top coat to help extend the wear time and add a shine finish. There are also specific "watercolour gel" polishes available for purchase if you want a more durable option.
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Using alcohol ink
To start, apply a coloured gel nail polish as a base. Then, wipe off any residue with alcohol or a mild nail polish remover. Next, paint with different layers of blooming nail polish until you achieve your desired look.
After your nails are dry, you can start working with the alcohol ink. Apply a small amount of ink to your nails and wait 30-40 seconds for it to dry naturally. You can use a dapping dish to add more alcohol and clean your brush. Always come from underneath the dollop, removing the excess on a towelette, and keep breaking up the colours with the alcohol on your brush.
Finally, seal your design with a thin base coat and a top gel. Try to float the brush so you don't disturb the pigment. Cure your nails under an LED/UV lamp for the specified amount of time.
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Watercolour gel products to buy
To achieve the perfect watercolour gel nails, you will need the right products. Born Pretty offers a 10ml watercolour nail gel that can be shipped worldwide. The processing time is usually 1-2 business days, and the shipping fee for orders under $20 varies depending on the country.
Alternatively, you can try using watercolour gel crayons, such as the Smooth Stix Watercolor Gel Crayons by OOLY. This set includes 24 gel crayons that can create incredible watercolour effects with the included paintbrush. These gel crayons are water-soluble, washable, and come in a handy reusable travel case, making them perfect for artists of all ages. OOLY offers free ground shipping for orders over $49 within the contiguous United States and accepts returns for a full refund within 30 days of purchase.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use acrylic paint and water, normal watercolors over a matte top coat, or "watercolor gel", which you can buy on Amazon.
Watercolor gel nails are also called aquarelle nails.
You can find tutorials on YouTube and Instagram.
