How to do gel sculpting. Sculpting with acrylic on nails: tips and fresh ideas. Manicure on short nails with sculpting

Currently, one of the most relevant and popular types of nail design is acrylic modeling. Thanks to this very non-trivial art, you can create very effective compositions. After all, hands are a woman’s calling card. And everyone wants to look attractive and irresistible. Therefore, today women are choosing more and more interesting nail designs to emphasize their individuality.

This design technique is not very simple and requires special training. Be patient, because even the most talented people fail to create masterpieces the first time. Some people prefer to enroll in special courses and learn this art, while others prefer to gain the necessary knowledge on the Internet.

Modeling with acrylic powder - design features

To master a new technique, you must keep in mind that you first need to create and think through a sketch of the future design, and only then begin to create a masterpiece. Moreover, acrylic modeling is not very easy for beginners. Experienced craftsmen always advise to first draw a pattern on paper or on tips, and only then begin to implement it on the customer’s hands. Particular attention should be paid to details; they must be done very carefully and have a clear, perfect outline.

What materials are better to choose

In order to learn how to make acrylic nail sculpting, you need to choose the right materials. The main material is acrylic colored powder and acrylic liquid. When these two components are mixed, wet balls of a thick consistency are obtained, from which elements of a three-dimensional pattern will subsequently be formed. It is important to know that high-quality acrylic powder does not crystallize, is easily sawed off and is flexible.

The acrylic liquid that turns powder into a soft material to create miniature masterpieces is called a monomer. There are several types of it: odorless self-hardening based on ethyl methacrylate, light-hardening and classic self-hardening. The latter is based on ethyl methacrylate and is perfect for delicate acrylic designs. The rest are used for nail extensions, because they have a slow polarization rate and a residual dispersion layer.

Important! There is another type of self-hardening monomer that is ideal for sculpting. It is based on methyl methacrylic, a substance that does not smell very good. It is precisely because of the pungent odor that specialists practically do not use it. In addition, it has been proven that the fumes of this substance often cause allergies and do not have the best effect on human health. But you can buy monomers based on methyl methacrylic at very low prices on the open market. But keep in mind that no seller will be able to present quality certificates for this product, because they simply do not exist.

A real case: a bride who decided to get acrylic sculpting on each nail on the eve of the wedding felt so bad after the procedure that she spent the night before the special event in the hospital. The doctors, fearing for her health, released the girl to her beloved only an hour before the registry office. I had to quickly do my hair and makeup myself. It is clear that there were some negative emotions. So it’s better not to take risks by using low-quality materials.

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Performance technique

To create voluminous figures on nails, acrylic powder and liquid are used. To work, you will need a special brush, with which a design is applied to the nails. The process of applying the design actually resembles sculpting; the finished elements dry within one and a half minutes and resemble elements of sculpture.

To make acrylic modeling look more sophisticated, you first need to extend your nails or grow your own and cover them with gel polish to strengthen them. In the process of creating a design, the main load falls on the free edge of the nail, so it must be strengthened so that the nail plate does not crack.

Materials necessary for volumetric modeling, their types, differences, advantages and disadvantages

Today, professionals use only two existing types of volumetric sculpting in manicure:

modeling with modeling acrylic powder;
modeling using a special gel composition.

Modeling with acrylic powder

Acrylic modeling is very popular. Powder can be transparent or translucent, in various colors and shades; some manufacturers add glitter to it. Such a wide palette allows you to create beautiful three-dimensional patterns on your nails.

Acrylic extension and sculpting is done by combining two materials: acrylic powder and liquid (monomer - a transparent liquid necessary for hardening of acrylic powder). The connection of these materials is carried out directly at the moment of building up or creating a three-dimensional pattern.

Acrylic modeling comes in 2 types:

– when creating such a design, a finished three-dimensional acrylic element is placed on the nail, then the entire nail along with the design is filled with transparent gel. As a result, the pattern ends up inside the artificial nail. The advantage of aquarium sculpting is that the volumetric elements do not cling to clothing, which significantly increases the wear time of such a manicure. However, the thickness of the nail is very large, which for some may be a disadvantage.

With this type of modeling, acrylic elements are not filled with gel, and therefore the clearest volume of the pattern is visible. A significant disadvantage is the inconvenience of manicure in everyday life, since protruding patterns very often cling to clothes and other household items. Nevertheless, this type of modeling is very popular.

Advantages of sculpting with acrylic powder

Modern acrylic contains the substance ethyl methacrylate. This substance does not harm the nail plate, but on the contrary, gives the nails a healthy appearance, making them stronger and more elastic.
Acrylic is practically unaffected by temperatures. Acrylic also does not disrupt the shape and natural appearance of the nail. The nail plate does not bend under acrylic.
Acrylic is easy to remove from the nail. You just need to dip your nail in a special liquid and it will easily dissolve. In this case, your own nail will not be damaged in any way.
Using acrylic you can create beautiful manicure designs.

Disadvantages of acrylic sculpting

Acrylic should absolutely not be used by people with various types of fungal diseases, since it creates a greenhouse effect on the nails and the disease will develop even faster from this;
It is not recommended to use acrylic for people with gastrointestinal diseases, as well as those suffering from diabetes and problems with the hormonal system;
People using medications and girls during menstruation should not use acrylic either.

Modeling using gel

Gel sculpting is a newer phenomenon than acrylic sculpting. Previously, gels were liquid, and with their help it was impossible to create three-dimensional patterns, because they spread. Now they have begun to produce thick gels that are specially designed for creating voluminous decorative designs.

Working with gel is much more difficult than working with acrylic. Each new layer of colored gel requires separate drying under a UV lamp, which makes the process longer and more expensive. This is the main feature and distinctive feature of sculpting using gel compositions.

There are 2 types of gel:

3D gel
– has a dense and plastic consistency. With its help it is easy to create three-dimensional drawings. Often used in baguette modeling, as a frame for a pattern or picture.
4D gel
- this gel has a very dense consistency, which is similar to hard sculptural plasticine or clay. Before starting work, such “plasticine” for nails is divided into small parts in the form of balls, and then the required pattern is cut out of it with a special metal tool. This gel sticks very strongly to your hands and tools, so when working with it you need to use a cleanser - a means to remove the sticky layer.

Advantages of gel sculpting

The gel does not contain harmful substances, therefore it is not contraindicated for use even by women during pregnancy;
The material is very elastic, which allows you to “sculpt” all kinds of decorative elements from it without much difficulty;
The gel has no unpleasant odor;
Does not harm nails at all and does not worsen their condition.

Disadvantages of gel sculpting

Using nail gel is quite difficult, so for the first time it is better to entrust the procedure to a professional, and after gaining a little visual experience, you can try to make simple compositions yourself, at home.

Required materials and tools

To do a sculpted manicure, you will need:

Acrylic powder of different colors.
Liquid. It is a special self-hardening liquid. It is better to use compositions based on ethyl methacrylate. Unlike methyl methacrylate, it is not as harmful to health and does not cause allergic reactions.
Modeling brushes. You should purchase a round brush with a sharp tip and a thin small brush, which will be convenient for drawing small elements.
Decor (beads, bouillons, rhinestones, sparkles, etc.).

To create a flawless manicure that will delight its owner for at least two weeks, you should use only high-quality materials from trusted companies.

Which brushes are the most comfortable?

When you already have acrylic powder and monomer, choose your sculpting brush. A round brush with a sharp end made of red sable bristle or a kolin and an oval brush called “cat’s tongue” are considered universal. It is better to purchase several different brushes and give yourself the opportunity to make ornaments of different sizes. It is important to know: the more you moisten the brush with monomer before dipping it into acrylic powder, the larger the acrylic ball you will get, from which a masterpiece or part of it will be created in the future.

If you are going to decorate your nails with flowers, then you should learn how to draw small veins on the petals, which makes the design lively and natural. To do this, you will need a thin “hair” brush and water-based acrylic paints.

Now that you know how to make acrylic nail sculpting yourself, go to a specialized nail modeling store, buy materials and save on beauty salons. Let your manicure be the brightest, most elegant and high quality. Good luck!

Fashion trends and the latest techniques in the world of nail art are updated from season to season: something goes into oblivion, something changes, adapting to new trends, and the sculpted nail design in the photo shows the final product of its own evolution. This technique is one of those that has been able to adapt to modern times. From large flowers and almost life-size butterflies, the sculpture has turned into a stylish design that sets the tone for your entire look.

How to choose acrylic powder

When choosing, you should consider some points:

High-quality acrylic powder does not spread or crystallize. The material is laid in a dense layer on the nail plate and can be easily corrected and further processed.
Thanks to the porous structure of the substance, the natural nail plate receives enough oxygen and “breathes”. This largely determines the duration of wear of the coating and its durability. A manicure made with low-quality materials can harm the nail plate. In addition, such a coating will be subject to detachments, and its service life will be significantly shorter.
Acrylic powder is white or transparent, but thanks to the use of dyes it is painted in a variety of colors.
When choosing materials to create a design, it is best to use liquid and acrylic powder from the same manufacturer.

Peculiarities

Although manicure with modeling is considered the most fashionable and beautiful, the process of creating it is quite painstaking. A special material is applied to each nail plate, from which a pattern or design is formed, and then all this is secured with a transparent gel. Also, craftsmen often use mica, lace, foil or glitter in their works. This gives the manicure a special twist.

A manicure with modeling should not be used by girls whose work involves their hands.

, although it is durable, the volumetric modeling will interfere with everyday life. To apply an original pattern to your nails, you will need the help of a professional specialist. Of course, it’s quite possible to do a manicure yourself, but to design it you will need special materials and art skills.

The work of applying sculpting is carried out using a special brush, monomer, cleaning agent and acrylic powder of various shades. At the same time, it is very important to choose quality products for manicure. The strength and appearance of the pattern will depend on it.

You should also be well aware of the composition of the products used.

, laws of combinations of colors and compositions. During sculpting, all elements of the manicure should be placed harmoniously, without touching the cuticle and fingertips.

Acrylic nail sculpting: step by step

Pour the required amount of acrylic into the prepared container.
Artistic design can be done directly on the nail plate or on tips. Pre-prepare the nail plate, apply extensions if necessary, or cover the nail with a layer of gel polish.
First, the brush is dipped in liquid, then in powder of a certain shade. After this, twist the brush a little to get a ball. The size of the ball will depend on how deep you go with the brush.
Now the resulting ball is placed on the plate in the place where the acrylic molding will be formed. Give the ball the desired shape. To continue working with the fragment, dip the brush into the composition again and continue working. To create perforations, when working with a brush, apply a little pressure on the lump to work out each contour.

Step-by-step technique for performing volumetric manicure with the power of gel

To create volumetric sculpting using modeling gel, you will need the following tools:

Dots;
Gel (3D/4D);
Means for removing the sticky layer (cleaner);

Gel sculpting is usually used on extended nails, but it can also be used on nails coated with gel polish/shellac or acrylic.

At the end of the extension or after applying gel/varnish, the sticky layer must be removed from the surface of the coating.

Perform nail extensions or cover them with gel polish. Dry under a UV lamp and remove the sticky layer from the surface;
Using a pusher, take a little gel and use your fingers to form a base for the design;
Place the gel on the surface of the base and use a dot or brush to form the desired pattern; you can smooth out sharp corners with a brush dipped in a cleanser;
Dry the result under a UV lamp;
Repeat the same procedure to create the remaining elements of the three-dimensional pattern;
If desired, add other decorative elements (rhinestones, beads);
At the end of the work, apply a top coat to the design without touching the rhinestones or beads. Dry in a UV lamp.

Tips for working with acrylic powder

All elements are formed separately from each other using powder of different colors. We advise you to make the large elements first and then move on to the small ones to control the creation of the design and the overall composition.

Depending on your idea, the acrylic composition can be located along the edge of the nail, in the center of the nail plate, or on the top layer. However, the pattern should not be placed near the cuticle. The composition will not last long in this place. According to the author's plan, you can add rhinestones, sparkles, bouillons and other decorative elements to the composition.

An important condition for high-quality manicure is the correct placement of the composition on the nail. The main elements should not be scattered chaotically, as such a manicure will look ridiculous and lacking in style.

How to do a manicure with acrylic modeling?

Get a standard manicure. Shape your nails, remove cuticles, polish the nail plate, remove dust with a brush.
Degrease your nails with a special product.
Decide on a drawing. Select a simple element. First, try making a bow or a cherry; sculpting flowers from acrylic is a little more difficult.
Dip the brush into monomer and then into acrylic powder. A ball forms at the tip. Place it on the nail plate.
Lightly press the ball and pull it in the direction you want.
Using a brush, start sculpting the pattern you want.
Apply more acrylic beads if necessary. You can use different colors.
You can decorate your manicure with sparkles, rhinestones or beads.
When everything is ready, apply clear polish to your nails to seal the design.

While working, periodically wipe the brush on a clean cloth. First, learn to sculpt simple designs on one or two fingers. Then move on to more complex decors. The main thing is, don’t get upset and don’t give up if something doesn’t work out. The same elements on different fingers may differ from each other in shape or size. Look online for acrylic nail tutorials. Do not forget that volumetric elements are applied to a specific area of the nail plate, and not to the entire surface. This manicure will look pretentious and tasteless. In addition, you yourself will be uncomfortable with him. It is better to choose transparent varnish or light pastel colors as a base.

A manicure with acrylic sculpting is a great option for an evening festive look. But modern girls have adapted to it in everyday life. Therefore, do not be afraid to always be bright, noticeable and attractive.

A selection of interesting videos:

Manicure is an integral part of any look; it not only beautifully complements a woman’s appearance, but also emphasizes her beauty. Manicure is especially important for special events and special occasions, because every girl dreams of leaving an unforgettable impression. For such situations, experts have come up with a special type of nail design - manicure with sculpting.

This nail art is characterized by the presence of volumetric elements that are decorated with gel and acrylic. Thanks to modern nail processing technologies, the design is perfectly smooth, so this manicure is comfortable and perfect for both everyday life and celebrations.

Sculpting on nails appeared quite recently

, but has already received a lot of positive reviews and is very popular among the fair sex. If we look at the latest fashion trends, we can come across many beautiful ideas for decorating nails with stucco. And this is not in vain. The unique design of this manicure helps a girl always stay on top.

In what cases is nail art appropriate?

The design with acrylic molding (the photos demonstrate this) is not entirely comfortable for everyday wear and has some disadvantages. If you constantly work with your hands, then such a manicure will be inconvenient because it has convex elements. With constant contact with chemicals and water, it loses its resistance. Also, elements of acrylic modeling cling to clothing and fabrics. When choosing such a design, you must follow several rules, otherwise it may suffer and cause a lot of inconvenience. This type of manicure is most often done for weddings or before important events, for anniversaries and social occasions.

Moreover, it should be noted that each event has its own special design. Brides often opt for a touching, delicate design with flowers, hearts and butterflies. Business women often choose compositions with animals, reptiles and bright flowers and complement them with various decor. This manicure not only lifts your mood, but also adds self-confidence. For events, you can choose a manicure that matches the color of your dress or handbag.

But when preparing for an important event, even if you know how to do acrylic sculpting step by step, be sure to practice. If you don’t have enough experience yet, seek help from professionals so as not to be disappointed with the result. You can hone your own skills later.

Features of sculpting acrylic nails for beginners

Acrylic sculpting got its name due to the fact that the process of performing nail design is more reminiscent of creating a sculpture than painting. To perform it, a special acrylic system is used, thanks to which the manicurist turns his creative ideas into reality.

Acrylic nail designs are usually done using special tips that are attached to the nails. However, recently, masters are increasingly combining techniques, combining gel extensions with elements of acrylic modeling.

The modern acrylic system includes two components - acrylic powder

and
special liquid (liquid)
. After mixing these materials, a thick mass is formed that is easy to sculpt. Acrylic has a very high degree of polymerization. In other words, after mixing powder and liquid, the material very quickly becomes hard and durable.

Nail artists use acrylic not only to sculpt three-dimensional elements on nails, but also to create a French manicure smile and to strengthen the nail plate.

When choosing acrylic powder, it is worth considering some nuances:

High-quality powder should not spread or crystallize. The material should fit tightly onto the artificial or natural nail plate and be easy to further process.
The porous structure of acrylic powder indicates that enough oxygen reaches the nails. In addition, this is the key to the strength and durability of the manicure.
Acrylic powder is white. But if you add special dyes to the powder, you can get any shade.
When purchasing an acrylic system, you need to purchase powder and liquid from the same manufacturer.

The technique of working with acrylic is quite simple, but still requires some skill. A novice manicurist should first practice using special tips. Creating a nail design using an acrylic system includes the following steps:

Nails should be carefully prepared - remove the old coating, remove the cuticle and give the nails the desired shape.
If the design will be made on tips, then you should glue them to natural nails with special glue. Those who like gel extensions can use acrylic modeling after the top coat. The same applies to designs on natural nails.
Acrylic powder and liquid should be mixed in the proportions specified in the manufacturer's instructions. The resulting mass is rolled into a small ball, from which the desired element is formed directly on the nail. To do this, use special tools for working with acrylic.
All manipulations must be carried out as quickly and accurately as possible, because the material hardens quickly.
After the desired result is achieved, you need to cover the nail with a thin layer of gel to ensure the safety of the manicure.

Volumetric design of the nail plate appeared in the nail industry relatively recently.

Original patterns are modeled on natural or extended nails with transparent or colored gel.

The compositions are perfect as the final detail of a festive or wedding look at a special event.

Forms a three-dimensional pattern with a sculptural gel. The material has good ductility, holds the shape given by the master perfectly, does not spread and has no odor.

Creating such a composition is a labor-intensive process and takes a lot of time, but in the end the work looks truly fabulous.

3D gel belongs to the category of solid plastics, allowing you to create three-dimensional decorative elements of the nail plate. The material is easy to work with, and you can use it to get any desired fragment shape. The elements are made with a small brush with elastic bristles. Beginners can create simple compositions, but complex details require experience. Be sure to use finishing gel.
The 4D gel is very thick in consistency, reminiscent of chewing gum, it does not dry out until it is placed under a UV lamp, you can sculpt it indefinitely - until you like the result. The colors are bright and saturated, but after the polymerization process is completed it becomes matte. Beginners love it. The material is applied directly to the top coat; it does not require covering with a topcoat.

I made it from what I had: a beautiful nail design with sculpting in photo examples

So far, the most popular sculpting designs on nails are the notorious petal flowers, but even from them talented nail artists create far from banal ensembles. At a short length, small flowers create entire fields of chamomile, and on an almond-shaped form, craftsmen create stunningly beautiful silhouettes of roses covering the entire plate. If desired, you can build a single composition on two adjacent nails, decorate your design with rhinestones...

The uniqueness of the sculpting is that this decor is suitable for any shape and length. Admire the design examples below and choose the one you like.

Of course, voluminous art is not the most convenient for everyday use. Some elements will cling to your clothing and may cause inconvenience if, for example, your job requires you to wear gloves. Sculpted nail designs, as you can see from the photo, are more suitable for a holiday manicure. Modeling in nail art is adored by brides, graduates and simply creative people. Extraordinary 3D drawings will definitely give your image originality and sophistication!