Sculpted Acrylic Nails - Gel Nails
Gel nails are perhaps the most natural looking of all nail additions and are
definitely worth considering if you want to have longer and stronger nails
which appear to be your own. You create gel nails by applying layers of an
acrylic gel to the surface of your nails. These layers then combine and set
to produce a solid nail. To harden the nails, they are then normally placed
under an ultraviolet light or even sometimes simply an ordinary room light.
It can be difficult to apply gel nails yourself, although it is quite possible.
It's certainly a lot simpler to get a nail specialist to do the job for you,
but if you do wish to try it yourself, the following is a method for using
the sculpted acrylic technique.
1. First buff and sterilize your nails. Once done, the sculpting process can
commence using either reusable metal forms or the disposable paper variety.
2. Apply one coat of acrylic bonding agent to your natural nail.
3. Fit the form you wish to use to each finger, being sure to obtain a good
fit. When using a reusable metal form, slide it onto the finger, being sure
that the tip of your nail fits over it and there is a close fit. When using
a disposable form, first peel it from its backing paper then bend it into an
arch shape and slide it onto the finger. Press the adhesive backing onto the
sides of your finger, being sure that it fits securely underneath the tip of
your nail and is level with it.
4. Now we apply the acrylic coating. Pour an appropriate quantity of acrylic
liquid and acrylic powder into separate glass containers. Then dip the brish
into the liquid, removing any excess by squeezing it gently against the dish.
5. Then sweep the brush containing the liquid across the surface of the white
powder in the other dish. Do this until it carries as much powder as it is
able to support and the resultant acrylic ball is of sufficient size to make
the entire nail extension.
6. Place the ball of acrylic on the centre of the edge of the nail form, up
against where it joins with your nail, then dab it into the shape you require
using the middle of the brush.
7. Ensure that the sides are kept parallel with your own nail at all times
and use a dabbing action. This will produce the best finished result.
8. If you are using a two-color acrylic system, when the first color is complete,
be sure to follow the natural tip of your own nail with the white acrylic powder
to achieve a French manicure effect.
9. Repeat procedure 5 this time using pink acrylic powder, this time placing
the ball of pink acrylic in the center of your own nail up against the free
edge.
10. Shape the acrylic ball using a dabbing and pushing technique, out towards
the extremiries of the nail, leaving the acrylic thinner at the edges than
in the middle.
11. Use a third ball of pink acrylic to fill in the cuticle area, being sure
to leave the acrylic thinner around the free edges and the cuticle. Smooth
the brush over the nail to remove any imperfections and achieve an even surface.
12. When finished and dry, tap the nail with the handle of the brush. If it
produces the familiar clicking sound, all is well and the gell is set.
13. Once the nails are completely dry, the forms can be removed.
14. Next, shape the nails using a medium-grade emery board, then buff until
you achieve a totally smooth finish.
15. Once the nails are shaped and buffed, apply a base coat varnish, some
polish, then a top coat. It is also a good idea also to apply a drop of cuticle
oil to the cuticle.
Note that all nail enhancements will need filling every two to four weeks,
depending upon how quickly your nails grow. This means filling in the area
in front of the cuticle to blend in with the existing acrylic fill.