Ava Monroe
There are many ways to swatch gel nail polish. Some people use nail wheels, but others prefer sticks as they are cheaper and can be stored more easily. You can buy swatch sticks online, and they are available in clear plastic or plain wood. When using sticks, some people paint the underside so that the plastic acts as a de facto top coat. You can also use a hole punch to create a neat, round swatch. It's important to let the swatch dry completely before using it as a reference.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Organize and display nail polish collection |
| Tools | Swatch sticks, nail wheels, IKEA Helmer, hole punch, jelly stamper |
| Techniques | Painting the underside of the swatch sticks, using Swatch Me Stickers, punching holes in the swatches |
| Considerations | Size, sturdiness, ease of use, value for money, drying time |
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What You'll Learn
Using swatch sticks
Swatch sticks are a great way to organise your gel nail polish collection and preview colour combinations. They are also useful for practising your nail art skills and seeing how different shades complement your skin tone and outfits. Each pack of swatch sticks typically contains 50 clear acrylic sticks, each designed with a nail form on one end and a hole on the other.
To use swatch sticks, simply apply your gel nail polish onto the stick as you would onto a nail, and allow it to dry. You can then thread each stick through the included metal ring for quick and easy access to your favourite colours. It is recommended to store your swatch sticks in a cool, dark area with a steady temperature, avoiding bathrooms.
When using swatch sticks, it is beneficial to organise your gel nail polishes by brand and name, in alphabetical order. This way, you can easily locate the desired colour and see if you have any duplicates. Additionally, swatch sticks can help you identify comparable colours, improve your collecting efficiency, and weed out any duds.
Some people prefer to paint the underside of the swatch sticks, as this prevents the top coat from turning the polish matte on the other side of the stick. This way, the plastic acts as a de facto top coat, and you can see how the polish looks with and without a top coat. It is also helpful to take down the names of the polishes and the corresponding number of coats it took to reach opacity.
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Organising by brand
If you're looking to organise your gel nail polishes by brand, there are several methods you can use. One popular method is to use swatch sticks, which can be painted with the nail polish to show the true colour. You can then organise these sticks by brand and name, in alphabetical order. This makes it easier to find the specific polish you are looking for and ensures that bottles from the same brand are stored together.
Another option is to use nail wheels, which are a cheaper alternative to swatch sticks. You can paint each section of the wheel with a different nail polish, allowing you to see the colours at a glance. However, some people find that they need to rearrange the colours on the wheel, which can be a hassle.
If you have a large collection of gel nail polishes, investing in a storage unit might be a good idea. You can purchase units specifically designed for nail polish storage, such as a rotating stand, floating wall shelves, or a small rack for your desk. These options allow you to display your polishes while also maximising space.
For those who want to keep their polishes in a drawer, there are a few tricks to keep them organised by brand. One option is to use drawer inserts with foam, which keep the bottles neatly tucked away and prevent them from moving around. You can also use a Helmer, a popular storage unit that fits approximately 200 polishes. However, keep in mind that with some brands, you may not be able to see the colours when you open the drawer due to the bottle and lid size.
No matter which method you choose, organising your gel nail polishes by brand can be a great way to keep your collection tidy and easily accessible.
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Using nail wheels
Nail wheels are a great way to display and organize your gel nail polish collection. They are also perfect for at-home use and practicing nail art. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use nail wheels for gel nail polish swatches:
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
First, gather your nail polishes, nail wheels, and any other tools you may need, such as a black marker or label maker. You can purchase nail wheels online or in beauty supply stores. Make sure to buy nail wheels with clear tips, as they are perfect for seeing the actual coverage of your nail polishes.
Step 2: Prepare the Nail Wheel
Before applying any polish, you may want to lightly buff the surface of the nail wheel to help the polish adhere better. This is because the surface of the nail wheel can be very shiny and smooth, causing the polish to shrink before curing. However, some people choose not to buff the surface, and it is not necessary for all types of nail wheels.
Step 3: Apply the First Coat of Polish
Take your chosen gel nail polish and apply the first coat directly to the nail wheel's tips. You don't need to use a base coat when swatching. Correspond the polish with the nail tip by setting the polish bottle next to it to avoid mixing up shades, especially if the colors are similar.
Step 4: Apply the Second Coat and Cure
Once you have applied the first coat, go ahead and apply a second coat of polish to the tips. After that, cure the polish using a gel nail lamp. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for curing time and settings.
Step 5: Apply a Top Coat and Cure
After the second coat has dried, apply a layer of topcoat polish to protect the swatch and add a glossy finish. Then, cure the topcoat under the gel nail lamp according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 6: Label the Swatches (Optional)
Once everything is dry, you can use a black marker or label maker to write the name of the polish shades underneath each nail tip. You can abbreviate the names if needed (e.g., "BLK" for black). If using a label maker, stick the names underneath the tips. Creating a color or alphabetical system for your swatches can make it easier to find the shades you're looking for.
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Using stickers
To get started, gather your gel nail polish collection and stickers. Carefully apply the nail polish to the stickers, using a large dotting tool or a small brush to create uniform swatches. Allow the polish to dry completely before handling the stickers.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can even incorporate nail art into your swatches. Add some sparkle with rhinestones, gems, or nail foils, or try out different designs using nail art brushes and thin nail art brushes. Get creative and experiment with different colours, patterns, and textures to make your swatches unique.
Once your swatches are complete, you can use them to easily visualise all the colours in your collection. Thread the stickers onto a metal ring for quick access, or stick them directly onto the caps of your nail polish bottles for easy reference. This will help you plan your manicures like a pro and save you time when deciding on the perfect shade.
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Using a hole punch
Firstly, gather all your nail polish bottles and paint nail swatches on a white sticker page. Make sure the swatches are slightly bigger than the size of the hole your hole punch makes. You can paint two swipes and lightly pat the end of the brush in the middle to cover any streaks. Allow for enough drying time – at least an hour, and longer for glitter polish.
Once your swatches are completely dry, use the hole punch to remove the swatch from the sticker page. Line up the hole punch so that your hole will be all polish and no white. You can use the hole punch upside down and slowly punch your hole to ensure that your entire swatch is painted. Then, place the sticker on top of the corresponding polish bottle.
You can stick your swatch holes directly onto the caps of the bottles, or you can use removable labels. Removable labels allow you to apply slight pressure with your thumb and adjust the punched hole exactly where you want it. You can also get creative with different shapes, such as stars and hearts.
Now you have perfectly swatched nail polish bottles!
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Frequently asked questions
You can organise your gel nail polish collection by brand and name, in alphabetical order. This way, bottles from the same brand are kept together. You can also use swatch sticks or nail wheels to help you visualise the colours and plan your manicures.
You can buy 200 Pcs Clear Nail Swatch Sticks from Amazon.com. These are suitable for gel polish and regular lacquer. They are transparent and made of acrylic, with metal rings. They are a good value for money and very useful for displaying nail art and organising polish colours.
You can paint your swatch slightly bigger than the size of the hole that your hole punch makes. Ensure you have even coverage. You may need to let it dry and apply another coat to get the true colour of the polish. Give your swatches extra time to dry.
Remove the trap if your punch has one. Line up the hole punch so that your hole will be all polish and no white. Use the hole punch upside down and slowly punch your hole. This way, your punched hole should stay in the punch and you won't lose it.
One drawback of the Helmer is that you can't see the colours of certain brands of polish when you open the drawer. This happens when the lid and the bottle are the same size. Some brands with this issue include Julep, Butter London, Dior, and Chanel.
