Volumetric nail design is perhaps the most original and complex solution that modern nail artists use to decorate plates. It can be performed on natural or artificial nails, using gel or acrylic material. It is quite difficult for beginning nail designers to master the technique of sculpting nails. However, nothing is impossible, because there are quite detailed step-by-step instructions that help you perfect your modeling technique, and care, accuracy and a subtle sense of style will help you bring it to perfection.

Types of materials

To create three-dimensional patterns, gel and acrylic are used:

• 3D gels – have a dense, plastic texture, due to which convex elements are formed, intended for decorating the plate. This gel is easy to work with even for novice craftsmen, thanks to the ability to create a fragment of any shape and size, however, building complex patterns requires some experience. Upon completion of creating the ornament, the gel must be covered with a top coat;

Gel design

To create a complex, three-dimensional pattern, 3D gels are used. With their help, you can form perfect volumetric elements that perfectly hold the boundaries and do not spread over the surface of the nail. The good thing about the gel is that it does not fade over time, does not chip, and does not react to negative external influences. In addition, if desired, you can combine gels of different shades and add spectacular coloring pigments, including those that glow in the dark.

When sculpting nails with 3D gel, it is necessary to carefully polymerize each individual element, especially if the composition consists of several parts of different colors. Otherwise, the shades will mix and the design will have to start over.

For novice decorators, it is better to start working with gel by forming the simplest, for example floral, compositions:

• send to a lamp for polymerization;
• separate a drop of gel, roll a second ball and place it next to the first petal. Repeat the above action;
• using the same pattern, form the third and fourth petals, not forgetting to dry each element in the lamp;
• shade the petals with gel polish, which was used for the main coating of the plates. Place a bead or sprinkle with glitter in the middle of the resulting flower, outlining the core. Send for polymerization in a lamp;
• Apply top coat, dry, carefully remove the sticky layer.

The key points of gel nail sculpting can be seen in the video instructions.

It is worth noting that working with such material requires care, scrupulousness and accuracy. We must not forget to dry each element of the overall composition separately, and also ensure that the parts do not merge with each other.

For beginning designers, the best option would be to sculpt using special volumetric plastic stencils. To create such a decor, you need:

• prepare the plates, degrease, apply a base coat, paint them with gel polish, dry under a lamp, treat with a topcoat and remove the sticky layer;
• roll a small ball from the gel, place it in the selected stencil, press it well into the shape and smooth it out;
• turn the stencil over, apply it to the nail and press well. Send for polymerization in a lamp along with the form;

• carefully remove the stencil - the ornament will remain on the plate, and the form will easily come off;
• If desired, you can add decorative elements to the pattern: glitter, rhinestones or beads, dry under a lamp, cover with a top coat, remove the sticky layer.

Nail decoration elements made using sculpting look great even on short nails. The main thing is to harmoniously select the sizes of individual parts, without making them too large or too small, and also not to choose rich, bright colors. In addition, it is worth understanding that a voluminous design makes the handles somewhat heavier, so it is better to focus on only one nail, correctly designating the space.

Acrylic design

The acrylic system used to create a three-dimensional design consists of two ingredients - powder and monomer, which are mixed in a certain proportion, varying depending on the specifics of the decor. When combined, they form a thick, plastic mass, from which a certain ornament is subsequently formed.

To add color to this design, you can immediately mix colored powder with the monomer, or cover the pattern with the selected shade after completing the main work. Finally, the decor is coated with acrylic fixative.

If the modeling is too complex, a special supporting frame is used for it. However, this type of design, as a rule, does not have a long-term wear life, so it is performed only for special occasions.

Sculpting your nails with acrylic should only be done on artificial acrylic nails. This is explained by the fact that such a design is very heavy and overloads the overgrown part of the nail, even if the created figure is not large in shape. This will cause the natural plate to crack or break.

In addition, for good adhesion of the ornament, the plate must be as smooth and ugly as possible, otherwise it will simply fall off, and this is almost impossible to achieve on natural nails. However, if you really wish, you can use a special glue that reliably attaches the acrylic to the surface of the plate.

The process of creating an acrylic design consists of the following steps:

The process of creating an acrylic ornament is very difficult for beginners due to the fact that the mixture hardens quickly and it is necessary to work as quickly and accurately as possible, with pinpoint precision.

As you can see from the photo, nail sculpting looks very impressive and incredibly beautiful. This is the best design that is suitable for special, special occasions. It will definitely make women's hands charming, tender and amazingly beautiful.

Volumetric sculpting on nails is a new fashion trend in the nail industry. The use of voluminous manicure designs is great for special occasions, and is especially popular among brides when creating a wedding manicure. This design looks very impressive, festive and unusual. We will tell you in this article how and with what help voluminous patterns on nails are made!

What is volumetric modeling and who is it suitable for?

So, nail sculpting is the creation of three-dimensional patterns using modeling acrylic powder or a special gel composition. With the help of these materials, the volumetric ornament you choose is literally molded as if from plasticine and gives the manicure a unique 3D and even 4D effect. Many girls choose flowers, fruits and even insects (butterflies, bugs, etc.) as patterns. This manicure is suitable for almost everyone, regardless of the shape and length of the nails, and can also be used on both your own and extended nails. Volumetric sculpting on nails is especially popular among brides, as well as among young girls as a summer manicure.

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 life 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 harmed 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.

Step-by-step technique for performing a manicure using the power of volumetric acrylic sculpting

In order to create a three-dimensional pattern on your nails using acrylic sculpting, you will need the following tools:

• Acrylic powder in the desired colors;
• Liquid (monomer);
• Thin brush and flat brushes for pattern modeling;
• Napkins;
• Decorative elements (rhinestones, sparkles);

Acrylic modeling is used on extended nails or on gel polish coating

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.

1. Perform nail extensions or cover them with gel polish. Dry under a UV lamp and remove the sticky layer from the surface;
2. Using a pusher, take a little gel and use your fingers to form a base for the design;
3. 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;
4. Dry the result under a UV lamp;
5. Repeat the same procedure to create the remaining elements of the three-dimensional pattern;
6. If desired, add other decorative elements (rhinestones, beads);
7. At the end of the work, apply a top coat to the design without touching the rhinestones or beads. Dry in a UV lamp.

Interesting design ideas with modeling

3D and 4D nail sculpting, although a new phenomenon, is already actively used by a large number of girls and women. This is not surprising, because three-dimensional drawings, when executed correctly, look very beautiful and unusual! Let's look at the most popular and spectacular types of volumetric nail designs:

Dear girls, beautiful and well-groomed hands are your calling card! If you are going to a celebration or just want to look stunning, then the 3D effect on your nails is what you need. And if you put in a little effort and be patient, over time you will be able to create similar beauty on your nails yourself. We hope that our article will help you with this! Go for it!

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.

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.

Kinds

Unusual patterns and sculpted manicure designs are created using gel and acrylic; they look beautiful not only in photographs, but also in life. Although such nail art is not practical, because voluminous compositions can often cling to surrounding objects and clothes, it looks amazing.

In the case when a manicure is done for everyday life, the surface of the nails is additionally covered with colorless gel.

Thanks to this “aquarium” effect, the surface of the nails is perfectly smooth. For volumetric manicure, you can choose to use either gel or acrylic; the difference in their use lies only in the technological process.

Types of technological process:

• Acrylic sculpture. Manicure is performed using a modeling brush and acrylic; before starting work, you should carefully prepare your nails. Basically, modeling is intended for extended nails, but natural ones can also be suitable if their length is sufficient. Also, for a manicure it is considered mandatory to have a base or layer of varnish. An acrylic ball is grabbed with a brush and placed on the surface of the working area, then it is shaped into the selected pattern; you cannot sculpt the decor right away. The modeling will become available when the ball dries properly and loses its original shine; the decorative elements are modeled with a brush.

• Gel modeling. This type of manicure appeared much later than acrylic sculpting, due to the liquid consistency of the gel, but today experts have created a special 3D gel for modeling nails, which is easy to work with and allows you to create unique decors. Also, a positive aspect of this material is the absence of odor, so the procedure for applying the composition has become much more pleasant; all sculpting elements are applied directly to the nail in finished form and are immediately fixed. Each part of the pattern has a specific color and is subject to polymerization in an ultraviolet lamp. In this case, the composition must be kept in the lamp for two to three minutes, otherwise the shades may mix. To fix the manicure, use a transparent varnish.

More recently, a very convenient gel plasticine has also appeared. Using 3D plasticine, you can create spectacular patterns and unique decorative elements. It is easy to use and allows you to create gorgeous voluminous compositions.

You can see how to do a manicure using gel plasticine in the following video:

How to do it?

Manicure with sculpting is one of the most complex types of nail design. Creating it requires a lot of patience and skill, since the durability of the composition and the final result depend on the correct execution of the work. If you really want to, it’s quite possible to do sculpting at home.

The following work steps must be followed:

• Preparation. The nail is sold in the required shape and length; sculpting on long nails looks especially beautiful. The nail plate is carefully polished; the quality of the entire manicure depends on the evenness of the surface. The cuticle is removed so that the delicate skin of the nail remains intact; it is recommended to use a wooden stick or a special solution. Then the nail is degreased with a cosmetic solution.
• Applying the base. A colored or transparent base is applied to the base of the plate, on which the molding will be fixed.
• Modeling. It can be performed either directly on the nail or pre-prepared on the table, and then only fixed. Acrylic polymer is a liquid, so you need to work with it carefully. The brush is dipped into acrylic, then squeezed out a little and passed over the powder so that it forms a ball. This ball is placed on the nail and waited until it dries. Then you can start sculpting, using auxiliary materials in the form of a toothpick and a brush.

Each of us tends to choose a manicure design according to our taste and preferences. Nail design can say a lot about its owner. Short nails in a monochrome design are chosen by busy, energetic women. Classic French on semi-long nails - elegant and practical girls. The most luxurious nail design options will appeal to those who are not afraid to experiment, love to attract everyone's attention and always follow fashion. They will love the voluminous sculpting on their nails. Others can try this design for a special occasion.

Peculiarities

This chic and rich manicure in all respects appeared quite recently. It corresponds to the trends of recent seasons towards naturalism and fantasy solutions in the choice of decor. Manicure details made using 3D technique look as realistic as possible. If real buds are blooming on your hands or are swimming, about to threaten to evade the fish, most likely, you are looking at the work of a real master.

Doing volumetric sculpting on nails is quite difficult for a non-professional. The characteristics of the material require perseverance, artistic talent, a trained hand, fast work, and high professionalism. However, if you want to create a fashionable manicure with voluminous details yourself, don’t despair. Having basic skills in performing simple manicures and patterns, you can make a simple three-dimensional design yourself, at least on accent nails. Moreover, the modern industry opens up the widest opportunities for nail art beginners.

It is believed that such a manicure is more suitable for a festive occasion, suitable for a wedding or vacation. However, this opinion is wrong. Elegant small details in the form of accents on one or two fingers (in the form of traditional flowers, for example) will look appropriate on weekdays. This design is often combined with a monochrome finish or a delicate French manicure. You don’t have to worry about the practicality of your manicure. Volumetric modeling made with acrylic or a special gel lasts for quite a long time without chipping or damage if it is done with high quality. Well, outside of work, you can afford more eye-catching decor.

Nail sculpting is most often done after extensions or at least coating with gel or shellac. On an untreated nail plate, this technique will look sloppy and inappropriate. Typically, this manicure option is performed on long or medium-length nails. The preferred shape is sharp, oval or ballerina. You can make a voluminous design on short nails, if the right accents are placed and the details are kept small and neat.

Nail sculpting done by a professional embodies the most daring design ideas and shows his skill. Using the finest brush, dots and other special tools, the master creates a unique design, made in the smallest detail in volume. The work requires perseverance and honed tool skills, because the material dries quite quickly.

This technique is especially popular when performing a bride’s wedding manicure. Designed in delicate creamy and pink tones, the voluminous pattern is complemented by the most luxurious decor: glitter, rhinestones, and beads. For festive and evening options, more saturated colors and a variety of options for ideas are used. These are not only traditional flowers and monograms. This technique embodies any thematic figures: leaves, animals, fish and starfish, imitation knitted fabric, fruits.

The volumetric design can be glossy or matte. It goes well with other complex techniques. “Raindrops” add a special charm to this manicure. Interesting options are obtained when using several types of different techniques in one manicure, even in a complex color scheme. An experienced master is able to create entire paintings and other masterpieces on your nails.

Design options

Volumetric decorative modeling is quite impressive in itself. But with equal success it can be performed as part of a more complex multi-component nail design. There are many varieties to create both festive options and more modest everyday designs.

The most common 3D effects are flowers, butterflies, and images of animals. This gentle manicure is especially good in the spring-summer season. When nature is just waking up from its winter sleep, exquisite flowers are already blooming on your fingers and beautiful moths are spreading their wings. Such designs are perfectly complemented by the technique of creating dew drops. Flower petals seem to come to life. Imitation of water drops gives them pristine freshness and even greater naturalness.

Wedding manicure with voluminous sculpting is very popular. A white rose or the most delicate lily often adorns the fingers of fashionable brides. A manicure painted in the form of lace, airy flowers and decoration with rhinestones and glitter in golden tones helps to create tenderness, lightness and solemnity in this image.

Delicate, romantic and sophisticated nail art with voluminous sculpting is obtained based on French manicure. In this case, accents are placed not on all nails, but on 2-3 nails. These can be flowers, monograms and other images of delicate milky or powdery tones. The drawings look interesting in all the beauty of rich natural shades. With this option, it is better to choose a transparent base and decorate the edge of the nail with laconic white or glitter.

Thematic manicure in volume design is also very popular. These could be cupids or hearts for Valentine's Day, voluminous snowflakes, rivets and Christmas tree balls for the New Year. For the holiday season, women often choose options in the form of juicy fruits or marine designs. You can make individual elements of the drawing using three-dimensional technique. Then the manicure will look like a landscape with perspective. Volumetric shells, seagulls, anchors, and bright life preservers will look interesting and impressive. In other cases, the entire pattern on the nail is performed using 3D technology.

Baguette design on nails is very popular in this technique. Its essence is that the drawing (flat or three-dimensional) is made as if in a beautiful frame with monograms and lush decor. This frame is the element protruding into space. With this design, all kinds of decorations are widely used: liquid stones, broths, glitter and rhinestones.

There is no need to be afraid of creating complex compositions. The volumetric image looks quite harmonious with various techniques in unexpected combinations. The main thing is not to combine five techniques on one nail at once. Smooth, logical transitions of designs should be made. So, one fingers can be painted with a single-color base, two fingers can be done using the ombre technique of the same shade, and a little rhinestone can be applied to the last one. Then the monochrome coating will be perfectly decorated with three-dimensional figures.

Required materials and tools

If you still decide to get a modern voluminous manicure, you should stock up on the necessary tools and materials. First of all, you will need the compositions themselves to create various figures. Specialists use 2 types of basic materials – acrylic and gel. The gel base is recommended for beginners, as it is the easiest to use and forgives minor mistakes. Acrylic material is more demanding, hardens quickly and requires careful application, as it makes the nail very heavy in a voluminous design. But it can be painted with all sorts of colors of acrylic paints.

There are two types of bases for creating three-dimensional figures.

3D gel allows you to create any realistic images - from simple flowers and monograms to animal figures and landscapes. Its peculiarity is that it hardens quickly, within about 10-20 seconds. Therefore, you need to work as quickly as possible. Each piece of decor is drawn separately and then dried.

4D gel is a completely innovative material. With its help you can create the most complex and subtle patterns. It has a chewing gum-like consistency and structure and does not harden. Such decor will have to be dried very carefully with a special lamp. Each master tries to choose the type of gel to suit his usual needs. The first option is the most common.

To create a high-quality drawing, you should remember the rules for working with 3D gel.

• Before applying a three-dimensional design, natural nails must be coated with a base product so that the sculpting material does not damage them.
• Each element of a complex pattern dries independently for about three minutes. Drying time directly depends on the thickness of a particular element.
• Gel is a fairly durable and non-spreading material. But if the manicure is done carelessly, the colors can blend together.
• If you are just starting to work in the field of nail art or do it for yourself at home, you should not buy a lot of special products. Four basic colors are enough, which can be mixed carefully with each other on foil or a palette.
• The viscosity and plasticity of the main substance helps to decorate the figures with rhinestones, beads, seed beads and other bright accent additions at the initial stage of application.

You will also need other materials and tools: basic gel polish, base and top coat, nail polish remover and degreaser, cotton swabs and foil, brushes and dots, acrylic powder and paints, activating liquid, gel, ultraviolet lamp, pusher. To create an original and luxurious design, a variety of decorative elements can be additionally useful: beads, rhinestones, bouillons, glitter, microbeads.

If it’s difficult to buy all the tools at once, start with one or two, but be sure to choose high-quality ones. They will last longer and will influence the accuracy of work and ensure ease of use. Some of the tools can be made independently from scrap materials, especially at the learning stage.

So, dots can be replaced with a written ballpoint pen or a hairpin with a round end. You can take a brush from an old varnish, after cleaning it first. It is given the desired shape using scissors, gradually cutting off the hairs one at a time at the base of the attachment to the handle.

In cases where it is difficult to draw on the spot or you are not confident in your own abilities, you can use special stencils for three-dimensional modeling. They simplify your work and save your time. And the pattern becomes especially neat.