What’s the easiest way to do nail art? Start with magnetic nail polish. You can create cool effects like cat’s eyes without lots of practice. All you need is the right polish and a powerful magnet.
Let’s talk about how to apply magnetic nail polish.
What Do You Need to Use Magnetic Nail Polish?
Can you use regular nail polish with a magnet? Sorry, that won't work. Magnetic nail polish has iron filings in it. It's specially made to respond to a magnet.
But not just any magnet like the ones on your fridge will work with the special polish. You need one that's strong enough to create gorgeous designs like cat's eyes and galaxies.
Therefore, if the polish you purchase doesn't come with a magnet, you'll need one designed for the purpose. We have different kinds of magnets for doing nail art with magnetic polish. One magnetic stick has two different heads for different effects. Other kinds look like a pen or a marker with a magnetic tip.
Then, you still need magnetic nail polish. We have a variety to choose from including a rainbow-colored set of cat eye polish. Or you can try out our new magnetic gels 5D formula collection. They recreate the reflective depth of a cat’s eye for a stunning, shimmery finish.
Otherwise, you don’t have to use a nail art brush, dotting pen, or other tools. You’ll still need the usual manicure equipment to do nail prep. And if you’re using gel polish, you’ll need a nail lamp to cure it.
How Do You Activate Magnetic Nail Polish?
How does magnetic nail polish work? It’s simple. The polish is activated after you brush it on and hold the magnet near the nail. Once the polish is dry, the design is fixed.
How to Apply Magnetic Nail Polish?
You don't have to apply a base coat, but it's helpful for protecting the nails and making the finish last longer. A black base coat gives the magnetic polish more visual impact.
Before applying the magnetic polish, check to see that you have an appropriate magnet to use. Some brands include a magnet in the cap of the bottle. Still, you may get better results with a standalone magnet. Different types of magnets and different ways of using the magnet near the polish will affect the outcome.
- Mix the bottle of polish by rolling it back and forth between your palms. If you shake it, you may add bubbles.
- Now, brush the first coat of magnetic nail polish on each of your nails. Let it air dry if it's lacquer, or use a nail lamp to cure it if it's a gel.
- Mix up the polish again if it’s been sitting for a few minutes.
- Apply a thicker coat to a single nail and hold the magnet near it. The particles will be drawn to wherever you’re holding it. It may take up to 30 seconds for them to settle.
- Paint each individual nail, holding the magnet in the desired position while the polish is wet.
- Let the nails dry or cure. It may take longer than regular polish.
- Apply a top coat.
Where to Hold the Magnet When Applying Magnetic Nail Polish?
For a cat’s eye effect, hold the magnet directly above and close to the nail without touching the surface. Keep it still and level for at least 10 seconds.
If you move the magnet, you’ll move the iron filings and end up with a different effect. It’s fun to experiment with the polish and find out what designs you can create depending on where you hold the magnet. For example, certain angles create diagonal lines.
Magnetic Nail Polish Tricks
It’s fun to play with magnetic polish and experiment with various looks. You don’t even have to cover the whole nail with magnetic polish. Instead, do an exotic French manicure with magnetic tips.
If you have a double-ended magnet, you'll notice that one end pulls the particles together into a line. The other end pushes them out into a double line or a circle like the cat's eye effect.
If you want to do cat eyes, here’s a quick and easy video tutorial for using magnetic nail polish.
Tips for Flawless Application of Magnetic Nail Polish
The metal filings in the polish will settle to the bottom of the bottle after a few minutes. Be sure to mix the bottle frequently so that you get an even amount when you paint the nails.
You’ll need to work fast if you’re using lacquer that air dries. Don’t worry if it gets messy – you can clean up the sides and cuticle when you’re done.
With gel polish, be careful not to smudge each nail as you work on the next. If you’re worried, use the magnet on the wet polish, then cure the nail before moving on.
It might take as long as 60 seconds per nail to get the polish to form the design you want. Hold the magnet steady unless the effect you want requires the magnet to move. Feel free to cheat by putting something (like a buffing block) near your finger to help you support the magnet.
Until the polish is completely dry, the particles may drift and mess up the design. It’s best to use a quick-dry top coat as protection.
You might be able to rescue a messed-up design by applying another coat on top and trying again instead of removing everything and starting over.
Get even more dramatic results by using complementary or contrasting colors as your base coat underneath the magnetic polish.
Is Magnetic Nail Polish Actually Magnetic?
Magnetic nail polish isn’t going to attract metal objects. You won’t get your fingers stuck to the fridge or find yourself collecting paperclips like a magic trick. The polish only has metal particles in it which the magnet moves to create the designs.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy experimenting with magnetic nail polish. It can create truly mesmerizing effects. Check out our full collection of magnetic polishes and supplies and have fun!