To isolate chrome on matte nails, you can follow these steps to create a stylish contrast between the two finishes:
Materials You’ll Need:
- Matte nail polish or matte top coat
- Chrome powder
- Gel top coat (for the chrome areas)
- Gel base coat
- UV/LED lamp (for curing gel polish)
- A small brush or sponge applicator for chrome powder
- Nail tape or nail vinyls (optional for precision)
- Clean-up brush (optional)
Steps:
- Prep and Paint the Nails:
- Start by prepping your nails as usual (filing, cuticle care, etc.).
- Apply a base coat (gel or regular depending on your system), then let it dry or cure.
- Apply two coats of matte nail polish or regular polish topped with a matte top coat. Let it dry or cure, making sure the matte finish is completely smooth.
- Apply Gel Top Coat for Chrome:
- If you want to isolate the chrome to certain areas of your nails, use a nail tape or vinyls to mask off the areas you want to keep matte.
- Apply a no-wipe gel top coat only on the areas you want to chrome, using a small brush for precision. Be careful not to touch the matte parts.
- Cure the gel top coat under a UV/LED lamp.
- Apply the Chrome Powder:
- Use a sponge applicator or a small brush to gently rub chrome powder onto the gel top coat areas.
- Buff the powder into the cured gel top coat until it shines.
- Use a clean brush to remove excess powder from the matte areas.
- Final Top Coat:
- Apply a gel top coat over the chrome areas to seal the design, being careful to avoid the matte sections.
- Cure the top coat under the UV/LED lamp. If the chrome touches any matte areas accidentally, use a clean-up brush dipped in alcohol or acetone to gently remove it.
This will give you a clean contrast between the chrome and matte finishes!
