Dried Flower Nail Art: Embedding Flowers in Acrylic & Gel (DIY Tutorial)
Petal Perfect: Embedding Dried Flowers in Clear Nail Enhancements
Want to capture the delicate beauty of nature on your nails? Embedding dried flowers in clear nail enhancements is a stunning way to create unique and eye-catching nail art. This technique allows you to preserve real flowers within a clear layer of acrylic or gel, resulting in a truly special and artistic manicure. This creates pretty nail design, cute nails, and some very unique cool nail designs. You can create amazing nails for you without needing to visit a nails salon or look for nails near me. You can find many nail art ideas and create amazing nails art designs using this technique. You can create beautiful nail design and nails art at home. You don’t need to use complicated techniques like dip nail designs to create amazing embedded effects. You can create amazing nail decorations at home.
This guide will cover embedding dried flowers in both acrylic and gel enhancements.
Materials and Tools Needed
Base Coat: Protects your natural nails.
Dried Flowers (Small and flat flowers work best): You can purchase pre-dried flowers specifically for nail art or dry your own.
Clear Acrylic Powder and Monomer (For acrylic enhancements) OR Clear Builder Gel or Hard Gel (For gel enhancements): This will be your embedding medium.
Acrylic Brush (For acrylic) OR Gel Brush (For gel): For applying the enhancement material.
Dappen Dish (For acrylic): To hold the monomer.
Nail Forms or Tips (Optional, for extending the nail): If you want to add length.
Nail File and Buffer: For shaping and smoothing.
Cuticle Pusher: For prepping the nails.
Tweezers or Orange Wood Stick: For precise placement of the flowers.
Top Coat (Gel top coat for gel, regular or gel top coat for acrylic): Seals the design.
LED or UV Lamp (If using gel): For curing the gel.
Step-by-Step Instructions (Acrylic Method)
Prep Your Nails: File, buff, and apply a base coat. Apply nail forms or tips if desired.
Apply a Thin Layer of Clear Acrylic: Dip your acrylic brush into the monomer and then into the clear acrylic powder to create a small bead. Apply a thin layer of clear acrylic to your nail.
Place the Dried Flowers: While the acrylic is still wet, carefully place the dried flowers onto the acrylic using tweezers or an orange wood stick. Arrange them as desired.
Encapsulate the Flowers: Apply another layer of clear acrylic over the flowers to fully encapsulate them. Be careful not to move the flowers while applying this layer.
Shape and File: Once the acrylic has hardened completely, file and shape the nail as desired.
Buff and Smooth: Buff the surface of the nail to create a smooth finish.
Apply Top Coat: Apply a top coat to seal the design and add shine.
Step-by-Step Instructions (Gel Method)
Prep Your Nails: File, buff, and apply a base coat. Apply nail forms or tips if desired.
Apply a Thin Layer of Clear Gel: Apply a thin layer of clear builder gel or hard gel to your nail and cure it under the LED or UV lamp according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Place the Dried Flowers: Place the dried flowers onto the cured gel layer using tweezers or an orange wood stick.
Encapsulate the Flowers: Apply another layer of clear gel over the flowers to fully encapsulate them and cure under the lamp. You may need multiple thin layers to fully cover the flowers without creating too much bulk. Cure each layer.
File and Shape (If Necessary): If needed, gently file and shape the nail after the final layer is cured.
Apply Top Coat: Apply a gel top coat and cure under the lamp.
Skill Level and Difficulty
Embedding dried flowers in acrylic requires more experience working with acrylic. Embedding in gel is generally easier for beginners.
Time and Effort Required
Approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on the complexity of the design.
Customization Ideas
Different Flower Types and Colors: Experiment with different types and colors of dried flowers.
Flower Placement: Arrange the flowers in various patterns or create a single focal flower.
Adding Other Elements: Combine dried flowers with other nail art elements, such as glitter, flakes, or paint.
Colored Acrylic or Gel: Use colored acrylic or gel as a base for a different effect.
Occasion or Style Suitability
Embedded dried flower nails are perfect for special occasions, weddings, spring and summer looks, or adding a touch of natural beauty to your everyday style.
Tips and Tricks
Ensure your dried flowers are completely dry and flat before embedding them.
Use small and flat flowers for easier embedding.
Work in thin layers of acrylic or gel to avoid creating too much bulk.
Use a toothpick or orange wood stick to carefully position the flowers.
Care and Maintenance
Gel manicures generally last for 2-3 weeks. Acrylic enhancements require regular maintenance (fills) every 2-3 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where can I buy dried flowers for nail art?
You can find them at craft stores, online retailers specializing in nail art supplies, and some flower shops.
Can I use fresh flowers?
Fresh flowers will not preserve well within the enhancement and may cause discoloration or mold.
This guide helps you create amazing nails at home. You can design nails and dye nails without visiting a nails salon. You can create art nails and find nail ideas by using this technique.