Caleb Foster
Encapsulation, or 'embedding', in the nail industry, is the process of enclosing items between two layers of nail products, such as gel. The possibilities for what you can encapsulate are endless, from conventional nail items like glitter and confetti to unconventional items such as lace and snakeskin. The process of encapsulation involves placing the desired item on the nail and using a brush or orange wood stick to push it in, so it grips from all sides. A thin layer of clear gel is then applied, followed by curing for a short period. The perfect timing for this will depend on the brand and lamp being used. This process can add dimension and a clear finish to the nail design.
Characteristics and Values Table for Encapsulating Gel Nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Encapsulation is the process of enclosing items between two layers of nail products like gel or L&P (liquid and powder). |
| Items to Encapsulate | Glitter, cracked ice, confetti, lace, snakeskin, etc. |
| Considerations | Ensure the quality and suitability of the item. Some items may lose their coloured coating or be damaged when in contact with nail products. |
| Technique | Place the item on acrylic and use a brush or wood stick to push it in. Apply a thin layer of clear gel or acrygel and cure for a short period. |
| Thickness | Encapsulate thicker items in the thickest areas of the enhancement, such as the smile line, apex, or centre of the free edge. Avoid thinner areas like the cuticle zone. |
| Gel vs. L&P | Gel provides a clearer finish and more dimension, while L&P gives a flatter look. |
| Additional Steps | For thicker items, use glue and press the item into place until the glue dries. Apply a gel top coat and gem glue. |
| Benefits of Gel Nails | Low odour, durability, and quick curing with a UV lamp. |
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What You'll Learn
Encapsulating thicker items
Encapsulation, or 'embedding' in nail industry terms, is the process of enclosing an item in a capsule, such as between two layers of nail products. The possibilities of what you can encapsulate are endless, from conventional nail items like glitter, to thicker items such as lace, snakeskin, and more.
When encapsulating thicker items, it is important to ensure that the item is not too thick for the length and shape of the nail you are creating. The item should be encapsulated in the thickest areas of the enhancement, such as the smile line, apex, or the centre of the free edge, to avoid adding unnecessary bulk. The cuticle zone, free edge, and sidewalls should be avoided as these areas are thinner and may result in an unsightly bulk or filing through your design.
To encapsulate thicker items, start by placing the item on the acrylic and using the back of your brush or an orange wood stick to push it in, ensuring it grips from all sides. If you work slowly, you can apply a very thin layer of clear gel or acrygel right before pressing the item in. This layer should be no thicker than a tip and cured for a short period, around 2-3 seconds, until it is no longer fluid but can hold the item.
For thicker items, some people prefer to use glue. Apply a thin layer of clear acrylic or gel and wait for it to cure fully. Then, place some nail glue on this platform and press in the item, holding it in place until the glue has dried.
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Avoiding bulk
When encapsulating gel nails, it is important to avoid bulkiness. To do this, you must ensure that the product you are using is not too thick for the length and shape of the nail. When encapsulating 3D work, keep the product thin to avoid filing through it. If you are creating a thin platform with a clear or coloured product, it is important that this is as thin as possible, just a 'wash' of the product. The thickness should be no more than that of a tip.
When pressing items into clear acrylic, work quickly so that the product still has some flexibility to secure your item. If you are working slowly, you can apply a very thin layer right before you are ready to press the item in. Apply a thin layer of clear gel or acrygel, no thicker than a tip, and cure for a short period. The perfect time is when the product is no longer fluid but is able to hold anything you press in.
If you are using thicker items, such as lace, apply a thin layer of clear acrylic or gel and wait until it is fully cured. Then, place some nail glue on this clear platform and press in the item, holding it in place until the glue has dried.
To avoid bulk, it is also important to consider the exact area in which you encapsulate particular items. Understand the structure of the nail enhancement and encapsulate thicker items in the thickest areas, such as the smile line, apex, or the centre of the free edge. Avoid the cuticle zone, free edge, and sidewalls as these areas are thinner and will result in unsightly bulk or force you to file through your design.
Additionally, proper preparation is key to ensuring your nail art lasts and avoiding bulk. Before applying any product, clean your nails by removing any existing polish and wiping your nails with a lint-free wipe soaked in nail cleanser or isopropyl alcohol. Then, shape your nails to your desired length and size using a nail file. Buff the surface of your nails with a buffer to remove shine and create a rough texture for better product adhesion.
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Using gel for a glass-like finish
Encapsulation in the nail industry refers to the process of embedding items in between two layers of nail products. If you're looking for a glass-like finish, gel is the best choice. Gel will always make something look further away and more dimensional, and it will give you the clearest clear finish.
To begin the process of encapsulation, place the product you want to encapsulate on the acrylic and use the back of your brush or an orange wood stick to push it in. This will ensure that it grips from all sides and does not move when you apply your covering layer. If you work slowly, you can apply a very thin layer right before you are ready to press the item in.
Apply a thin layer of clear gel or acrygel, no thicker than a nail tip, and cure for a short period. The perfect time is when the product is no longer fluid but is able to hold anything you press in. You will need to experiment to get the perfect timing, as each brand and lamp are different, but it is usually around 2-3 seconds.
For thicker items, such as lace, apply a thin layer of clear acrylic or gel and wait until it is fully cured. Then, place some nail glue on this clear platform and press in the item, holding it in place until the glue has dried.
Finally, apply a gel top coat and then gem glue to finish the look.
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Applying a thin layer of clear gel
Encapsulation in gel nails refers to the process of enclosing items in between two layers of nail products. When applying a thin layer of clear gel, it is important to work slowly and methodically. Firstly, ensure that the product you want to encapsulate is placed on the acrylic surface. Use the back of your brush or an orange wood stick to gently push the product into the acrylic, ensuring it is secure and does not move when you apply the clear gel.
The next step is to apply a thin layer of clear gel or acrygel. This layer should be no thicker than the tip of your brush. The perfect consistency is achieved when the gel is no longer fluid but can still hold anything you press into it. The timing for this process will vary depending on the brand and lamp you are using, so some experimentation may be required. As a general guideline, curing for a short period, usually around 2-3 seconds, should be sufficient.
If you are working with thicker items, such as lace, you may want to apply a very thin layer of clear gel or acrylic and wait for it to cure completely before applying nail glue to this clear platform. This technique ensures that the item you are encapsulating adheres securely and holds its shape. Once the glue is in place, gently press the item into it and hold it in place until the glue has dried.
It is important to note that the area of the nail you choose to encapsulate is crucial. Thicker items should be encapsulated in the thickest areas of the nail, such as the smile line, apex, or centre of the free edge. Avoid thinner areas like the cuticle zone, free edge, and sidewalls, as they can result in unsightly bulk or damage your design when filing.
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Using glue for thicker items
Encapsulation in the nail industry is also referred to as 'embedding'. It involves enclosing an item in between two layers of nail products like L&P or gel. The possibilities of what you can encapsulate are endless, from conventional nail items such as glitter, to other items such as lace and snakeskin.
When encapsulating thicker items, it is important to ensure that the item is not too thick for the length and shape of the nail you are creating. You should encapsulate thicker items in the thickest areas of your enhancement and avoid the thinner areas. The thickest areas of your enhancement are usually the smile line, apex, or the centre of the free edge. The areas to avoid are the cuticle zone, free edge, and sidewalls as these are thinner, and you will be forced to leave unsightly bulk or file through your design.
When pressing thicker items into clear acrylic, it is important to work faster so that the product still has some flexibility to secure your item. One method for encapsulating thicker items is to use nail glue. First, apply a very thin layer of clear acrylic or gel and wait until it is fully cured. Then, place some nail glue on this clear platform and press in the item, holding it in place until the glue has dried.
To ensure a secure bond when using nail glue, it is crucial to apply a thin layer of glue to the area where you want to attach the item. Once you have applied the glue, carefully position the item and gently press it down, ensuring it is aligned properly and fits snugly. Take your time during this step to achieve the desired placement. To ensure a secure bond, hold the item in place for a few seconds, applying gentle pressure to help the glue adhere. Avoid excessive pressure, as it can cause the glue to spread and create a messy application.
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Frequently asked questions
Encapsulation, or embedding, is the process of enclosing something in between two layers of nail products like L&P or gel. The possibilities of what you can encapsulate are endless, from conventional nail items such as glitter, to other items such as lace, snakeskin, and more.
First, place the product you want to encapsulate on the acrylic and use a brush or an orange wood stick to push it in. Apply a thin layer of clear gel or acrygel, then cure for a short period. The perfect time is when the product is no longer fluid but can still hold anything you press in. Finally, apply a very thin layer of clear acrylic or gel, and once cured, place some nail glue and press in the item, holding it in place until the glue dries.
Encapsulate items in the thickest areas of the enhancement, such as the smile line, apex, or centre of the free edge. Avoid thinner areas like the cuticle zone, free edge, and sidewalls. Additionally, ensure that the item being encapsulated is not too thick for the length and shape of the nail to avoid unnecessary bulk.
