What is Painting Gel?
Painting Gel is a type of thick, highly pigmented gel polish specifically designed for creating detailed nail art, allowing for precise lines and intricate designs due to its thicker consistency compared to regular gel polish; it needs to be cured under a UV or LED lamp to set properly and is often used with a thin brush for fine detailing.
Key Features
- High Pigmentation: They offer full coverage in a single stroke, reducing the need for multiple layers.
- Thicker Consistency: The thicker consistency prevents the gel from spreading and allows for fine details.
- Precise Application: They are designed for nail art, allowing for controlled application and intricate designs.
- Durable and Long-Lasting: They are cured under UV or LED lights, similar to gel polish, providing a durable, long-lasting finish.
Application Steps:
1. Prepare Your Nails
Push back cuticles: Gently push back your cuticles to create a clean, smooth surface.
Buff your nails: Lightly buff the nail surface to remove any imperfections and promote adhesion.
Clean your nails: Wipe down your nails with rubbing alcohol and a lint-free pad.
2. Apply Gel Polish
Base coat: Apply a thin coat of iGel Gel Base Coat and cure it in a UV/LED lamp.
Gel polish: Apply the gel polish in thin layers, curing each layer in a UV/LED lamp.
Top coat: Apply a gel top coat for a glossy or matte finish, depending on your preference, and fully cure it.
3. Perform Nail Art
Design: Create your desired nail art design. Simple designs like dots, stripes, or gradients can be created using dotting tools or detail brushes.
Color application (optional): Apply other mediums such as gel polish or chrome powders to achieve the desired color and pattern.
Cure: You could either flash cure your nails for 5-10 seconds or fully cure your nails for 30 seconds using an LED lamp, or 2 minutes using a UV lamp, ensuring it adheres well.
4. Final Step
Wipe tacky layer: After applying a top coat that creates a tacky layer, wipe it off with a lint-free pad and rubbing alcohol.
Apply cuticle oil: Reapply cuticle oil to hydrate and nourish the cuticles.
Removal Process:
1. Cut off any extra nail length with a nail cutter.
2. Buff the top layers by using a buffing cube until the polish gets cloudy.
3. Divide cotton balls into pieces that are big enough to cover your nails. Saturate them with acetone.
4. Cover the surface of your nails with cotton pieces soaked with acetone.
5. Use aluminum foil to wrap the top of the finger. The less air you let inside, the quicker the gels loosen. It may take 10-12 minutes, and repeat as needed.
6. After 10 minutes, unfold the aluminum foils and use a cuticle pusher to gently scrape off the remaining products.
7. Smooth and polish the nail by buffing, and apply Nourish Oil to your nails.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What’s the benefit of using Painting Gels instead of just using the normal gel polish with a little brush?
Unlike the gel polishes that have a runny consistency and are self-leveling, painting gels are thicker and more stable to use, making it easier to control when creating nail art. They are also highly pigmented, and there’s no need to reapply or add layers.
2. Are Painting Gels similar to Spider Gels?
Painting gels and spider gels are both used for nail art, but they differ in their consistency and application. Painting gels have a thinner consistency, allowing for precise and detailed designs with a brush. Spider gels, on the other hand, have a unique, stringy texture that allows you to draw thin, intricate lines and patterns with a single pull.
3. What should I do with a lumpy and discolored (yellowish) Painting Gel?
The product may appear yellowish and may even look lumpy when first opening the pot. This may occur during transit, and different ingredients may be sitting at the bottom of the pot. We highly advise customers to mix the product so that the ingredients are activated and the true color is revealed.
4. If your painting gel appears lumpy, stringy, or uneven, it may be due to one of the following issues:
Cold or Improper Storage: Cold temperatures can cause the gel to thicken and clump.
Fix: Place the closed product in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in warm (not hot) water for 5–10 minutes. Stir well with a clean spatula afterward.Lack of Mixing: Over time, pigments and gel ingredients naturally separate.
Fix: Use a metal or silicone spatula to thoroughly mix the gel before use. Avoid mixing with your brush, as this can introduce air bubbles or contamination.Contamination: Using the same brush across multiple colors without proper cleaning, or exposing the gel to dust, lint, or uncured product, can lead to contamination.
Fix: Always use a clean brush or clean it thoroughly between uses. Use a palette for mixing instead of dipping into the jar directly.Old or Partially Cured Gel: Exposure to light (even regular indoor lighting) can begin curing the gel in the jar.
Fix: Discard any cured portions. Store gels in a dark place with lids tightly closed. Avoid opening them near curing lamps or bright lights.
5. What is the difference between Line Art Gel Kit and Painting Gels?
The Line Art Gel Kit is perfect for those who want to design nail art line designs with various shades since it has 24 colors and easy application with its thin brush. The box serves as storage, making it a must-have for mobile nail techs or nail techs who want to keep their space neat. We also have the GLOW Line Art Gel Kit; Any nails will look eye-catching and radiant with their luminous finish!
On the other hand, the Panting Gel - 5 Colors Set helps elevate your nail art design's intricate details. It's multipurpose, has a thick consistency with high pigmentation, and doesn't have a runny texture that nail techs love.
Related Blog:
Line Art Gel Kit Vs. Painting Gel Set: Which One Should You Invest In?
Material Data and Safety Sheet:
Need anything else clarified? Let us know by reaching out to us at cs@igelbeauty.com! We'd love to hear from you! Alternatively, you may join our iGel Beauty Facebook Community and interact with other Beauties; learn tips and tricks, or share your Nail Journey. We look forward to welcoming you! ♡