It only took at least a year and many a fucked up nail but I think I found a technique that works for me. As someone who went through trial and error of advice I'll put my steps below as a guide.
disclaimer that this is only the technique that i have found to work best for me. I have followed the advice of many an instagram nail tech and this is not at all a technique of my own creation. I cannot take credit for this as so many people have contributed to this culmination that I would not have figured this out on my own. If you have one that works for you please feel free to share but this is for people to reference if needed/curious
-lay base
-paint color (no specifics on coat amount, use however many you'd normally use, for me that's 2, 3 if its especially transparent and i want more color)
-top coat the color (I use a shiny no wipe top coat)
-buff/file top coat (I usually go until I cant see shiny spots and im always particular on getting the sides as I used to get chrome stuck there a lot.[I know a lot of people suggest a matte top coat but that didnt work as well as this method did for me])
-combine a bit of black gel with your chrome topper gel, just enough that the mix is a dark enough base for your chrome
-go ahead and create your design for the chrome using that gel combo
-cure for 30 seconds (I use a handheld light for ease, usually any more than 35 seconds will cure too much and the chrome wont stick as well if at all *personal experience *)
-rub on chrome using clean applicator (i have an eyeshadow applicator i use but i know some people use a silicone tip applicator, honestly if its clean and works use whatever your heart desires.)
-clean off excess using fluffy brush and lint free wipe (i use the brush first and whatever is left I'll take a clean wipe and rub just a bit harder for the sparkles that stay)
-top using clear chrome topper and fully cure
by cannottiemyshoes
1 Comment
Helpful info!