Sophia Delgado
Transfer foils are a fun and easy way to create nail art. They can be applied using foil glue or a foil transfer gel, which acts like double-sided sticky tape. After applying the glue or gel, the foil is rubbed onto the nail using a rubber-tipped nail art tool until it fully separates from its backing. The process can be repeated if the first transfer is unsatisfactory. To ensure the foil doesn't transfer to unintended areas, a non-wipe matte top gel can be applied.
How to use transfer foil on gel nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Products | Foil transfer gel, nail gel, foil glue, nail lamps |
| Process | Apply a base coat, use foil glue, rub the foil onto the glue, apply a no-wipe top coat |
| Tips | Use a rubber-tipped nail art tool to rub the foil on, use a non-wipe matte top gel to prevent transfer to unintended areas |
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What You'll Learn
Using the right products
Foil Transfer Gel
Foil transfer gel is specifically designed to help you achieve a successful foil transfer. It acts as a sticky layer that attracts the foil to your nails, making it easy to apply. Two reputable brands for foil transfer gel are Kokoist, which offers their gel in a pot, and Leafgel, which offers its gel in a bottle through their sister brand Lily Gel.
Foil Glue
Foil glue is another essential product for transfer foil applications. It provides a strong adhesive surface for the foil to stick to. You can use a thin layer of rhinestone glue or a specialised foil glue, such as the Beetles brand.
Nail Lamp
A nail lamp is crucial for curing and drying your gel polish. It helps to set the gel polish and foil in place, ensuring a long-lasting manicure. Make sure to cure your gel polish layers properly before applying the foil.
Non-Wipe Top Gel
Using a non-wipe matte top gel will help prevent the foil from transferring to unwanted areas. It also gives your manicure a smooth finish. Kokoist and Leafgel are two brands that offer excellent non-wipe matte top gels.
Rubber-Tipped Nail Art Tool
A rubber-tipped nail art tool can be useful for rubbing the foil onto the cured foil glue. It helps ensure complete and full separation of the foil from its backing, resulting in a seamless finish.
By using these specialised products, you'll be well on your way to creating beautiful and long-lasting transfer foil art on your gel nails.
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Applying nail foil glue
Once the base coat is dry, it's time to apply the nail foil glue. Gently swipe on a thin layer of glue all over your nails. Nail foil glue dries clear, so it won't be visible on your top coat. Give the glue a couple of minutes to dry before moving on to the next step. If you are using a foil gel, you can skip this step and apply a thin layer of the gel instead. Foil gel is slightly thicker and stickier than nail glue and will create a tacky layer for the foil to adhere to.
After the glue or gel has dried, it's time to apply the nail foil. Press a piece of foil onto your nails, starting with the matte side down, not the shiny side. Lift the foil up to reveal the colour or design left on your nails. You can add more foil to your nail or move on to the next nail. If you are using small pieces of nail foil that you pick up with tweezers, you will need to use nail glue or gel to make them stick.
Finally, seal the design with a clear top coat to protect your nail foil. You can use a gel top coat or regular clear polish. Apply it to all your nails, including the top edges, to prevent the foils from peeling up.
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Using a nail lamp to cure and dry gel polish
To use transfer foil on gel nails, you need to start by applying a foil transfer gel, which acts as an adhesive. You can then apply the foil, rubbing it onto the nail with a rubber-tipped tool until it fully separates from its backing. You can then seal the foil with a non-wipe matte top gel.
A nail lamp is essential to cure gel nail polish. The process of curing gel polish with a UV or LED lamp is known as polymerisation. This process seals and hardens the gel nail polish, causing the molecules in the gel polish to bond together and form a solid layer of colour that won't chip or wear off easily. Without a nail lamp, the molecules in the gel won't bond together correctly, and your manicure will remain soft and susceptible to damage.
There are two main types of nail lamps: UV lamps and LED lamps. UV lamps offer more power and often provide a wider working area, but LED lamps cure faster and don't produce as much heat, which can be beneficial for people with sensitive skin or nails. LED lamps also tend to be pricier than UV lamps. Curing times can vary from a few seconds to several minutes, depending on your nail type and the type of lamp used.
To cure gel polish, start by selecting an LED lamp with a power rating of at least 36 watts. Then, follow these steps:
- Apply a gel base coat and cure it under the lamp.
- Add a thin layer of regular nail polish and let it air-dry fully.
- Seal with a gel top coat and cure it under the lamp.
It's important to note that traditional nail polish won't cure with a UV or LED lamp. It dries through solvent evaporation and doesn't contain ingredients that react to UV or LED light.
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Removing unwanted foil transfer
If you are using regular nail polish, you can simply scrub off the unwanted transfer with nail polish remover. However, if you are using gel polish, the process is a bit more involved. You will need to use a nail drill or a coarse nail file to remove the top layer of gel polish that contains the unwanted foil transfer. Be careful not to over-file and damage your natural nails.
Once you have removed the top layer of gel polish, you will need to apply a small amount of acetone to a cotton ball or pad and place it on the affected nail. Wrap the finger in foil to hold the cotton in place and allow the acetone to soak for 10-15 minutes. The acetone will break down the gel polish, making it soft and gooey. Then, use a cuticle pusher to gently scrape off the gel polish. Finally, wash your hands with soap and water to remove any residue, and apply a nourishing cuticle oil to moisturize your nails.
It is important to note that if you are not comfortable with the removal process, it is best to seek the help of a professional nail technician to avoid damaging your nails.
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Achieving a 3D look
Firstly, prepare your nail bed by shaping and pushing back your cuticles. Clean the nail bed to ensure it is free of any oils or moisture, as this can affect the success of the foil transfer. You can use a cuticle pusher and cuticle nippers to prepare your nail bed.
Next, apply a base coat. You can use a gel base coat or a regular nail polish, depending on your preference. If you opt for gel, cure it under an LED/UV lamp for 30 seconds to a minute. If using regular nail polish, allow it to dry completely before moving on.
Now, it's time to add some colour! Apply your chosen colour nail polish, and cure it under a UV/LED lamp. You can apply two coats of colour if you wish, curing after each coat. It is recommended to use a base colour that matches your foil to prevent the natural nail from showing through.
At this point, you can apply a thin layer of nail foil glue and cure it. This step will help the foil adhere better to your nails. Cut your desired piece of transfer foil and gently press it onto your nails. The foil should be applied to the cured but still sticky gel or nail polish. Use a small brush to clean up any excess polish around the nail.
To create a 3D look, apply a thick viscosity top coat or a non-wipe matte top gel. This will add depth and dimension to your design. Cure this layer, and if needed, apply a second coat to ensure your design is well-protected.
Finally, finish curing your design. Remember to avoid touching the design with your fingertips, as this can transfer oils and moisture, affecting the foil's adhesion.
With these steps, you can achieve a stunning 3D look using transfer foil on gel nails!
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Frequently asked questions
You will need foil glue, a base coat, and a colour coat. Apply the glue, then use a rubber-tipped nail art tool to rub the foil onto the glue.
You can use a thin layer of rhinestone glue or a foil transfer gel.
Use a rubber-tipped nail art tool to rub the foil onto the glue until it transfers completely and fully separates from the backing.
Use a non-wipe matte top gel to ensure the foil doesn't transfer to unintended areas.
You can scrub it off with a towelette and alcohol cleanser.
