Gel polish is the most suitable option for strengthening your nails and creating an original design, with a highly durable effect of up to three weeks. Thanks to the special composition, you will get a beautiful and strong manicure, spending very little time.
If the Shellac design seems a little boring, be sure to try stained glass gel polish.
This varnish got its name precisely because of its resemblance to stained glass, when the color appears to be inside, and at the same time protected by a specific coating. It is often used when creating aquadesign.
What is stained glass on nails?
Stained glass gel polish is a translucent crystal coating that can be either independent or an addition to an already created design. This varnish is most often applied over a design, this creates an unusual “under colored glass” effect.
If you prefer a stained glass coating on the entire nail, then it is better to apply the varnish in several layers, and to create a pattern with a glass effect, one will be enough.
Having seen all the inner beauty of this manicure, many girls became interested: how to make stained glass gel polish yourself, without the help of a specialist?
What is stained glass varnish
Ordinary stained glass has a sparkling glass effect, and the same is achieved on nails. This technique has long been used for interior design, doors, partitions, and façade architecture. High temperature polymerizes the material.
It acquires a transparent structure with greater immersion in the color pigment. By adding shimmering dust, you get an excellent base for stamping, fan french and other designs.
Brands and manufacturers
Each manufacturer tries to create its own structure that has the type of aquamarine on the nails with a deep immersion in the decor. Brands Bluesky, TNL, Kodi, Masura, Diamant know about the creative composition and try to add their own twist, which will help create nail art using different techniques, including splintering with foil.
Creation begins with modeling a transparent plate. The stained glass product is placed on acrylic, and the gel becomes weightless, like crystal varnish. The line includes painting paste and finishing polymer.
Stained glass paint comes in a variety of colors. The product is used to cover natural nails. Popular brands that produce a crystal-precious finish include Bluesky and Kodi. The effect is amazing, especially when combining materials. The main background with metal-containing particles shines better than glossy coatings, captivating the eyes of even capricious fashionistas.
Stained glass gel
Nail artists began to use stained glass ideas after working with gel polishes for a long time. The design becomes weightless, the shine of the decor is enhanced by the glass finish, resulting in a 3D effect. A recent favorite was the translucent gel from Masura, the polish is simply fantastic! An incredibly attractive effect similar to Venetian glass, with the same deep color base.
The gel base is the base for combining with the pigment. The saturation of the composition can be changed according to your own taste, making it blurry or denser.
Stained glass paints
The shadow design of an element in the composition gives the painting a special appeal. The paints are great for painting with a brush. Chinese technique, animated to convey the plot, looks much more realistic than usual, since the special composition makes the flower arrangement three-dimensional. The crystal-sparkling finish creates a nail design with a deepening of color.
The paint is suitable for stamping, French, fan-French using glitter, painting. Neil specialists use crystal top in a voluminous method of plate design, imitating reptile skin.
Product compositions have different color saturation and consistency. The finish is characterized by a thick, viscous consistency, while the varnish is no denser than the base. The composition of the paint is paste-like, with dense pigment.
Winning options
When choosing a design using the stained glass effect, you should be extremely careful. Real crystal coating will make your drawing more rich and voluminous.
Stained glass looks great using:
- Decorating foil (broken glass).
For this, there are special gels with a liquid texture, which allows you to achieve the effect of ancient Venetian glass.
- Rhinestones and sparkles.
- Gel polish with cat eye effect.
- Liquid stones.
The stained glass coating has a fairly thick consistency and perfectly holds the shape of a drop, which allows you to express all the naturalness of liquid stones.
- Glass or aquarium nails.
This design will be able to fully convey the beauty of the stained glass coating, while the nails seem quite fragile, but are actually durable.
Some stained glass coating options are perfect for a summer, sunny manicure.
About the manufacturers
Today it is quite difficult to find stained glass gel nail polishes on the open market, but this does not stop the masters who know what it is and use them in their work. You can purchase the samples you like on the official websites of manufacturers and at various exhibitions dedicated to nail art. Popular companies that produce gel polishes with a stained glass effect include:
- Cody. This manufacturer has created a truly unique composition, which, when applied to nails, in addition to translucency, creates the effect of shimmering moon gems. The “Crystal” series from Cody is not only rich colors, but also durability and quality of the material.
- Vogue. Transparent and deep colors from Vogue are used by craftsmen not only to create the effect of glass, but also to give the background layer greater density and depth.
- Bluesky. An advertising campaign launched before the release of stained glass varnishes from Bluesky promised consumers a sensation in the nail industry. In fact, the collection of stained glass varnishes from the given manufacturer is not at all different from its analogues. For a more reasonable price, the company offers to purchase a coating of average quality, which you need to know how to handle. Stained glass gel polish from Bluesky cannot be coated on top with a transparent varnish or fixative, otherwise the coating may shrink and go in waves.
Red gel polish
Manicure “Broken Glass”
To make it yourself, we will need the following:
- Manicure accessories.
- Standard kit for applying Shellac.
- Colored and stained glass gel polishes.
- Special foil (cut into small pieces depending on the desired design).
- Curing lamp.
Today, stained glass gel nail polishes are widespread. Let's look at how to use them in a little more detail:
We prepare the nail plate.- Apply colored gel polish and dry each layer in a lamp.
- Without removing the sticky layer, lay out the pieces of prepared foil.
- We cover it with a stained glass coating and dry it in a UV lamp.
- We complete the process by securing everything with finishing gel.
- Remove the sticky layer.
Nail design with stained glass gel polishes and gels, the master class for which we conduct, will help you highlight your image.
A beautifully executed “Broken Glass” manicure allows you to plunge into the mystery of stained glass paintings.
About technology
Since ancient times, humanity has been using the technique of creating stained glass to decorate window and doorways. Stained glass paintings are hung on walls and used as elements of architectural decor. It is not surprising that in our time this technique has found its way into many areas. Today, one of the most common trends in nail art is the design of stained glass gel polish for natural and extended nails (photo). To create it, both ordinary varnishes and fashionable gel-based coatings are used.
Color palette
At first glance, it may seem that this technique is very complex, and the materials for it are expensive. Reviews from professional craftsmen claim that if you have certain skills, using stained glass varnishes is very easy. They differ from conventional materials:
- translucent “glass” structure;
- independent smoothing and leveling on the nail surface, which avoids additional grinding and leveling.
Stained glass multi-colored manicure
To decorate natural nails, such varnishes are used only with additional drying in a lamp; without this, the coating will not be as durable as we would like. They look best on natural nails using the “French manicure” technique. Gel compositions can be used as a base and topcoat.
In order to get the desired result, you need to buy quality products from branded companies. Stained glass gel polishes are produced by Bluesky, Haruyama, Kodi Professional, TNL and other companies.
Design with stained glass varnish
Stained glass without the help of a specialist
Stained glass gel polishes are not easy to find in stores, their assortment is quite boring, but thanks to the experience gained, manicurists have developed a special formula for combinations in design and told the secret of how to make stained glass gel polish at home.
Let's look at a few options.
Method No. 1 (using stained glass paints)
- Take a drop of transparent coating (a base or biogel will do), add a little stained glass paint and mix thoroughly until a homogeneous mass is obtained.
In this case, acrylic paints are suitable, but not water-based, since water and gel are absolutely incompatible. When you mix water-based inks with gel, you will end up with an unsightly cloudy design with some flakes.
- Apply a homogeneous mass to the nail, then dry it in a lamp.
For this method, it is better to take thicker gels; the result will be no different from the professional one.
Method No. 2 (using coloring pigments)
We will need a small amount of clear gel.
- Add a small part of the pigment to the gel and mix thoroughly until we achieve the desired color and uniform consistency.
- Apply to the nail with a brush and dry.
- We fix it with a top coat.
Remember that you should prepare stained glass yourself in small quantities, as it is not stored for a long time.
Master class on monochromatic manicure
Thanks to its translucent texture, gel polish with a stained glass effect looks great even in a single color version. This nail coating option is great for everyday life, as well as for romantic dates. To make your manicure look stylish and neat, you need to use only light shades. For example, blue, pink, beige, olive, yellow, white.
Stained glass monochromatic manicure is perfect for calm, romantic girls. Transfer foil will help diversify the design, but it is better to give preference to ready-made forms. These can be snowflakes, diamonds, stripes of different thicknesses, triangular, stars. This manicure will look light and will not be overloaded with decorative elements.
To create a stained glass manicure yourself, it is recommended to follow the following procedure:
- Softening. For 5 min. Hands should be immersed in warm salt water to make the skin soft. Hands must be thoroughly wiped with a clean napkin and the cuticles must be carefully pushed back using a scraper (pusher). Nails must be trimmed to a comfortable length, and using a nail file, the free edge is given the desired shape.
- Degreasing. Nails are degreased using a buff so that they become matte and lose their shine. Use a brush to remove nail dust. Primer is applied to the nails in an even layer, creating an even, smooth surface.
- Applying base coat. The bottle with the product must be gently turned over several times so that its contents become homogeneous. The base coat is applied in an even, thin layer. Nails must be dried in a lamp for 1 minute.
- Gel polish coating. First, the nails are coated with regular plain gel polish, dried in a lamp for 1 minute, and then 1 layer of gel polish with a stained glass effect is applied and dried again in a lamp for 1 minute.
- Drying. At the final stage, the finishing coat is applied in a thick but uniform layer. Additionally, you should run the brush along the free edge of the nail to prevent the polish from cracking. Dry the nails in a lamp for 1 minute. and remove the sticky layer with a lint-free cloth, which must be soaked in a degreaser.
A plain manicure is a classic that never goes out of style and goes well with any look. Every girl can create a stylish stained glass manicure on her own, the main thing is to have basic tools and materials available. You can emphasize your originality with the help of correctly selected decorative elements. To do this, before applying the top coat, you can glue sparkles, beads or bouillons onto your nails.
There should be a minimum of decor so that the manicure looks neat and discreet, and not provocative.
Proper use of stained glass
Crystal coatings can be used on both artificial and natural nails.
Let's take a closer look at stained glass gel polishes and how to use them to get a dazzling manicure.
- Outline design.
This is a simple technique in which the contours of the design are drawn on the tip of the nail, after which the nails are covered with translucent gel polishes.
- Mosaic technique.
To create a mosaic effect we will need foil, glitter and mica. This combination looks quite unusual and elegant, and the stained glass gel polish adds some crystal flair.
- Design-painting.
This manicure will allow you to fully express the depth of your imagination. Graceful designs on the entire surface of the nail will add originality to your look.
- Combined manicure.
The design will allow you to combine several techniques, for example, painting with the presence of auxiliary decorative elements. The stained glass effect is unique and creative.
Stained glass gel polish is more often used for nail decoration than for a solid coating.
If you follow all the rules of application technique, you will undoubtedly get the effect of rock crystal, which simply shimmers with dazzling multi-colored edges under the rays of the sun.
Using patterns and designs
Manicurists paint on nails not only with acrylic, but also with gel polishes, as in this case you can create amazing designs that never go out of style. In the case of stained glass gel varnishes, there are no restrictions on the choice of color palette and patterns, because everything depends on imagination and level of skill.
Floral motifs
Stained glass gel polish (manicure design involves the use of rhinestones and sparkles, which go well with a romantic look) looks organic in combination with contrasting colors and a slight sparkling coating along the edge of the nail plate.
This manicure turns out neat and does not catch the eye, and is also distinguished by its originality, as it is great for business meetings and everyday life.
Fruits and berries
Such drawings should be made in bright, rich colors. Stained glass gel polish will perfectly complement a slice of orange, strawberry, lime, cherry.
Such designs decorate nails in summer and lift your spirits in cold winter. If you want to show your originality, then you can draw coconuts on palm trees. This manicure will definitely not go unnoticed.
Candies and other sweets
Stained glass gel polish (a manicure design with the image of a small bright candy is a godsend for all lovers of sweets) can be used not only as an additional tint layer that is applied to the base, but also as an independent coating. Nail service masters hone their skills so that they can paint the most realistic sweets on their nails.
In this case, there is no need to extend long nails, just choose the right design. To make the created design look as harmonious as possible, you need to combine bright and pastel shades.
For example:
- beige + red;
- white + purple + orange;
- pink + green.
Stripes
Every year, manicurists come up with new options for how to place stripes on the nail plate. This design helps to visually lengthen short legs. Abstraction looks organically surrounded by lines.
To create a youthful manicure, bright stripes should be depicted on a dark base. This design can be considered a classic as it goes with all styles and is suitable for various occasions.
Photo of nail coating with stained glass gel polish
Even more photos at the link: Stained glass gel polish with photo.
Application of gel polishes with stained glass effect
Glass is perhaps one of the most ideal material options for realizing absolutely any fantasy. With the help of special paints, a little drawing skills, as well as artistic taste, you can easily master the technique of glass painting and create classic stained glass windows.
This type of creativity is sometimes also called stained glass. It is worth noting that such stained glass is used even in industrial settings.
Thanks to such drawings you can also transform many things. For example, even ordinary dishes can be turned into a real work of art thanks to glass painting.
Also, thanks to such means, you can change and transform various figurines, vases and many other interior items. With such drawings they have a certain stylized appearance.
Thus, we can conclude that stained glass technology helps any old products regain their former attractiveness and eliminate existing defects.
You can also try painting on materials such as:
- Veneer.
- Tree.
- Tile.
- Oilcloths, films.
- Mirrors.
What are the types of stained glass design
Currently, there are several main varieties of this manicure. These include the following:
- Mosaic.
- Contour.
- Combined.
- With elements of painting.
The simplest manicure option is contour. At least it's easiest for beginners to start with. To perform it, first of all, you should draw the grids using colored gel.
Moreover, these elements can be of any geometric shape: square, rhombus or triangle. It is best to try to avoid smooth curves, since figures with sharp corners always look more advantageous.
The most difficult design is the painted one, as it requires a certain skill.
