Stained glass gel polishes are shellacs with a translucent texture (like a rich color pigment diluted in water), allowing you to create fantastically beautiful nail art in the style of aqua manicure, crystal stylization or mosaic glass. In addition to fragile and weightless nails, these coatings can be used to create equally chic and spectacular “metallic” looks, similar to the popular minx art films, or stylish manicures with voluminous sculpting.
With their help, you can enhance the beauty of your favorite shades (using “stained glass” as a decorative top) or make your cat’s eye gel polish richer and brighter. For an ideal result, you need to know the intricacies of using glass gel varnishes and how to use them, in which the design looks most stylish and elegant. We will tell you about this today.
Stained glass gel polish: what is it?
Stained glass coverings mean two types of materials:
- the first ones resemble tints for classic varnishes. They are translucent and have a fairly dense texture. These are classic stained glass windows, available in both light and pastel colors, as well as sparkling and deep shades.
With their help, you can qualitatively fix paintings and small decor (sparkles, mica, shells, kamifubuki, etc.). In addition, they are suitable for creating drip designs and deepening (color enhancing) lightly pigmented shellacs, as well as light color correction of bright and dark coatings. When using such materials for a mono manicure, they must be applied in several layers or on top of a tint base for gel polish (black or white).
- the second type is translucent coatings with a light texture, which look best on mirror (metallic) gel polishes. The secret of its success is a special base (silver mirror gel polish). Without it, coatings are applicable for such popular techniques as fan french, glass french, stretching.
Patterns on nails using a brush step by step
For girls who have just begun to master nail art at home, the technique of painting with a brush will help. At first glance, it may seem the most difficult, but in reality it is not so. It's better to start experimenting by making simple geometric patterns.
To create a spectacular nail coating, you must have a base color, at least two more shades for the design and a fixative. Next, you should follow the basic instructions.
Important! Do not forget that each layer of varnish must dry perfectly. Only then can the next color be applied
Otherwise, the drawing will be damaged. Initially, you should choose light and classic patterns.
If you look at the work of professionals with a brush, you will notice that they work wonders with this tool. However, at home, without special training, it is difficult to understand all the intricacies of this matter.
Features and subtleties of application
Key features include the following characteristics:
- stained glass gel polishes are perfectly self-leveling, as a result of which they do not require the use of special base coatings to level the surface of the nails and hide aesthetic defects (rubber or camouflage bases, or medicinal bases for problem nails);
- the features of the “stained glass” texture suggest the usual basic preparation of nails for extensions or application of gel polishes, since they do not weigh down the nail (and therefore do not require significant strengthening with gels or acrylics even for a solo manicure);
- When creating a crystal (glass) design with them, you should keep in mind that these materials have no restrictions on the length and shape of the nails. That is, they look equally elegant, original, beautiful and stylish both on almond-shaped nails and on a soft square;
- Depending on the degree of pigmentation of a particular stained glass gel polish, “successful” and “unsuccessful” options for a mono manicure are distinguished. If your hands are not in the best condition (age wrinkles, unwanted pigmentation, loss of tone), you should not use stained glass gel polishes as a single-color coating. From an aesthetic point of view, such a manicure will not look as weightless, airy and gentle as a classic aqua manicure or magnetic gel polish - “kitty”;
- Before creating a design, this type of gel polish requires careful and thorough mixing. This is done in order to lift the settled pigment from the bottom and apply the material in a uniform, even layer, without bald spots, bubbles or stripes;
- the use of glass gel varnishes as a material for artistic painting involves the use of separate brushes with fine bristles, which must then be carefully washed using a product for degreasing nails, or a special liquid for washing brushes.
Useful tips
You can write endlessly about this product, use it in conjunction with techniques or implement stained glass ideas using a gel with shimmering particles and varnishes. The coating increases the shine and shine within the positioned design.
Crystal manicure is used in plate design in different ways, but not water-based. All manipulations carried out on water, such as water painting, are not compatible with the glass product.
The paste is used not only in painting, but also in stamping. Sometimes masters mix tones to achieve extraordinary transitions or to create the missing color.
Diverse colors contribute to the creation of stylish designs; this is not the first time that nail polish has found its way into a nail polisher’s office. A marble pattern is created beautifully and neatly using paint.
You can use transparent gel to create new shades in your manicure. We create stained glass polymer by mixing regular paint and a transparent base. The ratio is determined independently, based on the saturation of the pigment.
Top 5 brands of gel polishes with stained glass effect
Currently, many brands have released these popular creative coatings to create stunning looks. These are brands such as Bluesky, TNL, Kodi, Masura, Diamant. Why are their products interesting for beginners and nail industry professionals?
Stained glass gel polishes from Bluesky
are perhaps one of the most famous materials of this type. Bright and monochromatic, quite well pigmented, they are ideal for creating mirror mosaics using mirror gel varnishes as a substrate for stained glass windows.
"Glass" from Tnl
They have both a wide range of colors and good durability. Among the key features of this brand’s products is the need to apply stained glass effect gel polish in at least three layers to obtain optimal color brightness. It is also worth remembering that stained glass from Tnl looks especially beautiful on a special backing that enhances the expressiveness of the material on the nail.
Mosaic stained glass windows and aqua manicure with Kodi gel polishes
– a design with high quality products and a range of colors for even the most picky fashionistas. They are famous for their crystal-precious finish, dramatic and deep glass effect. By using Kodi's stained glass products even in just one coat, you can easily transform those already boring gel polishes from your collections into sparkling gems.
Glass coatings from Masura have long been in favor with craftsmen.
. They are interesting for their incredibly attractive effect akin to Murano glass. Most of the colors in the palette are perfectly pigmented and can be applied even in one thin layer to make your favorite cat eye gel polish even richer, more expressive and more interesting. They have a viscous and thick texture and do not flow when applied. However, some shades “sin” by sliding off the ends. Experts advise “treating” this problem by removing the stickiness from the base, or by polymerizing the nails one at a time in a lamp.
coatings from the Diamant brand were no less delighted.
. They provide a beautiful background layer, juicy, deep and rich. They look especially stylish on a mirror backing, but without it they give the effect of transparent sugar candies. Thanks to the dense texture, even a single-color design with these gel polishes allows your nails to feel under reliable protection without harming your nails during long-term wear and removal of the manicure.
Attractive and elegant stained glass coatings, along with the specialized substrates that complement them, are, of course, better to purchase from trusted manufacturers in order to avoid annoying mistakes when applying and removing materials. But what if you don’t have ready-made gel polish with a stained glass effect, or it has thickened or run out? Fortunately, the special beauty of these materials is that they are very easy and simple to make yourself (both in the process of creating an image in a nail salon, and at home). Let's look at the two most common methods.
Do it yourself: how to create stained glass gel polish?
Properly prepared homemade gel polish dries in a lamp as quickly and efficiently as branded products. The basis for your individual mixture is a classic transparent top coat for conventional three-phase gel polishes. The color component can be as follows:
- densely pigmented gel polish (stained glass or gel paint);
- pigments for gel polishes (pure color, without additional decorative particles).
Option No. 1 (a mixture of top coat and paints/gel polish).
In this case, it is important to choose a top coat with a very thick consistency (you can also use biogel or a transparent base).
When mixing in gel paint or shellac, be careful not to add too much color. The mixture should remain translucent, but the color should be mixed evenly. The test portion can be mixed on a crystal stand or in a special container with a painting brush. Proceed slowly to prevent bubbles from forming in the mixture. And after drying the material, it is better to sign the tip (indicate the proportions of the mixture) and observe how long the color saturation remains. If the drying went perfectly and the pigment did not fade in 14 days, you can safely use the formula on your clients’ nails. Option No. 2 (mixture of pigment and topcoat).
You mix the colored pigment with the above base options, kneading thoroughly. Do not forget to choose a thicker base for the mixture so that the final mixture lies well and evenly on the nail. Apply the finished mixture to the nail with a brush, polymerize in a lamp as a regular (branded) product. Remember that self-made stained glass gel polish must be covered with a top coat. And do not prepare too large a portion in advance, since mixtures of this kind do not last long.
Video instructions for use
- the cuticle was not removed, and as a result it grew back, displacing the varnish plate;
- the nails were not properly degreased and the polish could not adhere to their surface;
- the nails were wet during the procedure and, accordingly, the varnish could not properly attach to the surface;
- the compositions used in the procedure were of poor quality - the base or primer simply did not hold the varnish in place;
- There was a free edge left on the nails, which was not covered with the top composition - as a result, the nails peeled and the polish fell off.
- buff was applied over the nails with excessive zeal, and as a result they became thinner;
- the nails were not treated with a buff at all, and as a result they split.
- the varnish did not dry long enough in the lamp and as a result was not as strong as it should be;
- the top coat was of poor quality and could not prevent the varnish from being damaged;
- The varnish was applied in thick layers that did not have normal contact and were unable to adhere properly.
Stained glass designs: how to decorate your nails most effectively?
If you are a professional manicurist, then you have probably already experimented to your heart’s content with glass gel polishes using all the techniques in your arsenal. A novice nail artist should start getting acquainted with stained glass gel polishes with four main options for decorating nails:
- Contour manicure technique.
It involves making the contours of the design on the free edge of the nail (as an option - French stamping). Painting (drawing) is usually created with acrylic paints or gel. The design can be a geometric figure, the details of which are painted in color. Or an abstract painting is created, filled with color and decorated with sparkles. The finished design is coated with 1-2 thin layers of stained glass gel polish and dried in a lamp.
- Mosaic nail technique.
Such images are made using stones, classic sparkles, rhinestones, beads or foil (transfer, malachite or broken glass). Stained glass gel polish gives this spectacular decor the appearance of a piece of marble or fragments of precious stones framed in crystal.
- Stained glass design with painting.
This original manicure can be created using acrylic paints. The subject is limited only by the imagination of the master or client. A correctly selected coating, if it combines beautifully with the color of the painting, will ultimately create a visual resemblance to antique Venetian glass. Artistic painting on stained glass is the most complex of the techniques mentioned. Masterfully executed images are not inferior in beauty to stained glass paintings in churches of medieval architecture.
- Combined manicure-stained glass.
Can combine several techniques. For example, painting and decor that complements it. At the same time, it is important to observe moderation in decorating the nails and not to distract attention with auxiliary decorations from the main thing - painting.
As for the most common nail looks with glass gel polishes, these are:
- Aquarium design;
- Manicure with liquid stones;
- Design with transfer foil or Broken Glass foil;
- Complement manicure with “Cat Eye” gel polishes.
When decorating clients’ nails with any of these designs, you need to know how to properly apply stained glass coatings for regular looks and on mirror substrates. Let's learn both design options.
Manicure technique
Having come up with an ornament in advance, you can start building it up. The nail plate is prepared for extensions. It is polished, eliminating irregularities. The nail is cut and filed. A form (or tip) is applied on top and the required length of the nail is formed using gel. The first layer of gel should be dried longer, at least a couple of minutes.
Photo 1. Stained glass age.
The background of the pattern is applied. If the drawing fills the entire space, then the background can be omitted. When applying decorative elements, you need to carefully and clearly draw the lines. You can use a gel pen. With contour and mosaic designs, the cells inside the lines are filled with paint on all fingers at once. One color is applied to the desired cell of each nail in turn. Thus, while the rest of the nails are being painted, the speck of paint on the first nail plate will already dry. The colors will not mix with each other, and the design will be neat. Some “glasses” can be replaced with foil or mica. The black color of the outline looks better if the other colors are bright and rich. You can combine bright, glow-in-the-dark paints with transparent cells. This design will definitely be appreciated by friends on the dance floor in a nightclub. The junctions of the “pieces” are emphasized with a clear black line.
After applying the design, a fixing layer of gel is applied. It needs to be dried longer.
