A quick scroll through social media and fashion sites reveals that 3D floral nails are in the spotlight. Once upon a time, only acrylic pros managed to sculpt them. But now sculpting gel makes them easier than ever for everyone to add simple embossed details, mold flower charms, or sculpt flowers freehand.
There’s a technique and a product to match every skill level. Embossing or spider gel makes raised designs without extra tools. Silicone molds and builder gel create perfect flowers. Hard gel can form petals just as poly gel can be sculpted like acrylic into miniature flowers.
Our goal is to make 3D flower molding accessible to anyone interested in leveling up their nail art skills. Here’s how to get started.
Tools for 3D Flower Sculpting
Check your nail art tool collection to see if you have everything you need:
1. Instead of a natural hair brush (Kolinsky) like you’d use for acrylic, synthetic brushes are best for sculpting gels. You can also use nonstick tools.
2. Products like poly gel can be sticky so you’ll also need slip solution, which is basically rubbing alcohol.
3. It’s handy to have a palette or other nonstick surface where you can slice portions and practice with sculpting gel.
4. If you’d like to create nail charms, you’ll want silicone molds that you can fill with product and then cure in a nail lamp.
5. Finally, stock up on brush cleaner, lint-free wipes, and gloves to protect your skin.
Visit our store online or in-person to stock up on tools and products for 3D floral nails.
Simple: Nail Molds for 3D Nail Flowers
It’s straightforward to make 3D flower charms with silicone molds. The flowers can be a single shade like white or as colorful as you like. Moreover, you can use regular gel polish, painting gel, or builder gel depending on how durable you want the charms to be.
The first step for using a silicone nail art mold is to clean it with alcohol. Even if you cleaned it before you put it away, wipe it down again so your hard work turns out perfect.
Each time you add a different color like the petals or the stem, cure the gel under a nail lamp. Even if you create the entire charm out of a single color, use a tool to make sure there are no bubbles in the polish before curing.
Since the mold is flexible, gently bend it to pop out the cured flower. You may need to use scissors or a tool to trim or file the edges smooth.
Then attach the charm to the nail with nail glue, gel adhesive, or by resting it on top of uncured polish. Protect it with a top coat that can also help it stay in place.
Medium Difficulty Level: Emboss Gel Nail Flowers
Emboss Nail Art Gel
Art gel, embossing gel, and spider gel provide texture to bring flower nails to life. They are easy to work with, especially if you’re used to detailing nail art with a brush.
Here’s an example of 3D flower petals created with clear emboss gel. The artist used cat eye polish followed by a matte top coat to lock in the magnetic design. Next, they added the colorful petals with gel polish and applied a no-wipe glossy top coat. Finally, they used a fine brush to place the emboss gel on top of each petal. Between the shimmery background and the raised texture, this manicure has a beautiful depth.
Advanced Technique: Builder Gel
Lavis Builder Gel In The Jar Collection
Expand your sculpting skills by creating 3D flower nail designs with hard gel. Specifically, this means using hard gel that comes in a jar, not builder gel in a bottle. For a quick overview, see the official Lavis tutorial video.
Hard gel comes in a small selection of shades, but it can be tinted with regular gel polish. These white flowers were made with non-sticky clear builder gel mixed with Lavis Super White gel.
Once the artist scooped out a small amount of hard gel from the jar, they used the spatula to roll it across the white polish on a palette to combine the colors.
After placing the roll of colored hard gel on the nail, they used the tip of the brush handle, then the bristles to sculpt the petals. Notice that during the part where the artist is using the bristles, the petals appear wet. That’s likely because they dipped the brush in alcohol or slip solution to make the brush glide over the product.
After curing the petals, the artist took a small piece of sponge, dipped it in gel polish, and dabbed it on the sculpture to make the yellow center.
Here’s another example that begins with Lavis Milky White Builder in the Jar. After sculpting and curing, the artist painted it with LDS Color Craze gels and sealed it with the Diamond Top coat.
- LDS Craze Color 052
- Lavis builder In the Jar - 10 Milk White - Non Sticky
- LDS Craze Color 613
- LDS Craze Color 197
- LDS Line Art 10
- LDS Diamond Top
Lavis J01 - Builder Gel In The Jar 15g - Milky White
LDS Color Craze Gel Nail Polish - 613 Blue Skies - 0.5oz
LDS Color Craze Gel Nail Polish - 197 Pretty in Pink - 0.5oz
Advanced Technique: Poly Gel
Lavis Poly Gel
Many artists agree that poly gel is easier to master than acrylic. Some of the big selling points are that it’s practically odorless and comes premixed. There’s no need to guess if you’ve wet the bead the right amount. Moreover, poly extension gel won’t dry until it’s cured. You’ll have all the time you need to practice 3D flower molding.
The technique involves placing the product and patting it into shape with the help of slip solution and a tool. Then cure your design in a nail lamp before enhancing it further with polish, rhinestones, etc. Not only is it compatible with other gel products like soft gel nails, gel polish, and builder gel, but you can also use it to build lightweight, durable nail extensions.
Lavis Non Sticky Nail Extension Poly Gel 01
Lavis Poly Extension Gel 2 UV/LED 60ml
Lavis J04 - Gel Polish 0.5oz - Popular Jelly Collection
Lavis Glitter G04 - 01 - Gel Polish 0.5 oz - Couture Collection
Conclusion
Are you ready to turn heads with 3D flowers on your next nail masterpiece? Find everything you need in our store, plus enjoy complimentary gifts and free shipping!