Noah Sinclair
Creating 3D nail art is a fun way to elevate your manicure and express your creativity. To achieve this look, you'll need a few key products, including a clear 3D gel and a powder or gel top coat. The process typically involves painting your nails with a base gel, creating 3D designs with a high-viscosity gel, and then sealing the design with a top coat. You can further customize your manicure by adding chrome powder or choosing from a variety of 3D gel options with different viscosities to achieve your desired effect.
How to use 3D nail gel
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application process | Paint the entire nail with base gel, then paint on or mold your 3D design. Top with a no-wipe top coat, rub in chrome powder, brush away excess powder, and seal with more top gel. |
| Product types | Clear gel, builder gel, sculpting gel, 3D gel, no-wipe gel top coat, chrome powder, acrylic, polygel |
| Brands | Kokoist, Presto, The Gel Bottle, Zillabeau, VALLA, YOGO, Jello Jello |
| Techniques | Japanese-style gel nails, UV builder gel |
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What You'll Learn
Applying 3D nail gel
Prepare Your Nails: Start by ensuring your nails are clean and dry. Push back your cuticles and shape your nails to your desired length and style. You can also lightly buff the surface of your nails to create a smooth base.
Base Coat: Apply a thin layer of base coat to your nails. This will help the 3D gel adhere better and protect your natural nails. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for curing the base coat with a UV or LED lamp.
Creating the 3D Effect: Choose a high-viscosity 3D gel or sculpting gel (also known as builder gel). These gels are designed to create dimensional designs and are available in clear or coloured options. You can also use a product like Kokoist, which offers different viscosities of 3D gels depending on the desired size and puffiness of your 3D design. Apply the gel directly to your nails or use a brush to mould and create your desired 3D shapes and textures.
Curing and Designing: Cure your 3D gel design under a UV or LED lamp according to the manufacturer's instructions. You may need to cure it in layers if you are creating more complex or larger 3D designs. After curing, you can paint or decorate your 3D design as desired.
Top Coat: Once you are happy with your 3D design and any additional painting or decoration, apply a top coat to protect your nails and design. You can use a no-wipe top coat, which doesn't require an additional step to remove the sticky layer, or a regular top coat, followed by a final cure under the lamp.
Finishing Touches: If you want to add extra sparkle or dimension, you can apply chrome powder or other decorative powders to your design. Gently rub the powder onto your nails, brush away any excess, and seal it with another layer of top gel.
Experiment with different 3D gel designs and techniques to create unique and eye-catching nail art. Remember always to refer to the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your chosen 3D nail gel products.
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Applying a no-wipe top coat
Prepare Your Nails: Before applying the no-wipe top coat, make sure your nails are completely dry, clean, and free of any oils or residue. Gently buff the surface of your nails to create a rough texture, which will help the gel adhere better and reduce the risk of chipping or peeling.
Apply the No-Wipe Top Coat: Using a thin brush, carefully apply a thin layer of the no-wipe top coat to each nail, being careful not to apply it to the skin or cuticle. Cap the edge of each nail by swiping the brush horizontally back and forth to seal the gel and prevent chipping.
Cure and Cleanse: Allow the no-wipe top coat to cure, or dry completely. After curing, you may notice a sticky residue or inhibition layer on your nails. This is normal and can be easily removed. Cleanse your nails with 70% isopropyl alcohol or your preferred nail product cleanser to remove the sticky layer, being careful to avoid skin contact.
Wash and Moisturize: Advise your client to thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water after the manicure is complete. This step helps remove any remaining residue and ensures clean nails. Finally, apply a high-quality oil, lotion, or cuticle oil to the nails and hands to moisturize and nourish the skin.
By following these steps, you can achieve a long-lasting and professional-looking 3D nail gel manicure with a smooth and glossy finish. Remember to practice good nail hygiene and care to maintain the health of your nails and prolong the lifespan of your manicure.
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Adding chrome powder
To add chrome powder to your 3D nail gel, you will need to follow these steps:
Firstly, prep your nails as normal, applying a base coat and gel colour. Next, apply a no-wipe top coat and cure your nails under a UV lamp for 30 seconds. Once your nails are out of the lamp, take a small amount of chrome powder on your applicator brush and rub it onto your nail until you achieve full coverage.
To remove any loose powder, take a nail buffer and gently run it over the free edge of your nail. You can also use a dust brush to remove any remaining loose powder. Finally, apply a final layer of no-wipe top coat and cure your nails for 60 seconds.
You can use chrome powder for full coverage on your nails or create different patterns and designs. You can also combine two different colours of chrome powder, draw lines and shapes, or use it on only some of your nails.
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Brushing away excess powder
After applying the chrome powder, it's time to brush away any excess. Using a nail art brush, gently sweep over the nail to remove any loose powder. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as you don't want to smudge or disturb the 3D design underneath. Take your time with this step, as it's important to ensure that all excess powder is removed before sealing the nail.
You can use a soft, fluffy brush for this step, as it will help to gently sweep away the powder without causing any damage to the underlying design. Make sure to brush in a gentle, circular motion to effectively remove the excess powder. It's important to be thorough during this step, as any remaining loose powder could affect the final finish of your nail art.
If you find that there is still some stubborn powder that is not being removed, you can try using a clean, soft brush that is slightly damp. Be sure to only lightly dampen the brush and gently test it on a small area first to ensure that it does not smudge your design. Gently sweep the damp brush over the nail, and then go over it again with a dry, soft brush to ensure that all excess moisture is removed.
Once you have brushed away all the excess powder, your nail should feel smooth to the touch, and you should not be able to see any loose powder remaining on the nail. This step is crucial in achieving a professional-looking finish and ensuring that your 3D nail art design lasts for as long as possible. After this step, you can move on to the final stage of sealing your nail art with a top gel.
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Sealing the nail with a final top coat
Firstly, choose a suitable top coat product. You can opt for a gel top coat, such as an LED or UV-curable gel top coat, or a standard nail polish top coat. The gel top coat, like the Essential Seal, provides a high-gloss finish and works well with gel polishes, dip systems, and acrylic systems. If you're using a UV or LED gel top coat, ensure you have the appropriate nail lamp for curing.
Next, apply the top coat smoothly and evenly across the nail surface, sealing and capping the edges. Be careful not to over-apply, as this can cause the top coat to pool or drip. If you're using a UV or LED gel top coat, cure your nails under the appropriate lamp for the recommended time. For example, cure your nails for 30 seconds in an LED lamp or 2 minutes in a UV lamp.
After curing, carefully remove any tacky residue left on the nails with a nail wipe saturated with a cleansing solution. This step will leave your nails with a smooth and shiny finish. Finally, condition your cuticles with a nourishing oil, such as a drop of Nurture Oil, to moisturize and protect the skin around your nails.
By following these steps, you will successfully seal your 3D nail gel designs, adding shine, protection, and longevity to your nail art creations.
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Frequently asked questions
To create 3D nail art, you can use a clear 3D gel such as VALLA Toy Gel 3D Clear Clay/Embossing Gel, YOGO Milk Jam 3D White Clay/Embossing Gel, or Jello Jello Edge Clear Gel. You can also use a sculpting gel or builder gel, which is a high-viscosity gel that can be used to build up the 3D design.
The process for creating 3D nail art typically involves painting the entire nail with a base gel, building up the 3D design with a clear 3D gel or sculpting gel, and then applying a top coat. You can also add chrome powder for a metallic effect.
When using 3D nail gel, it's important to avoid exposing the product to direct sunlight to ensure long-lasting results. Additionally, make sure to follow the application guides and aftercare instructions provided by the manufacturer for the best results.
