Shellac - sealing the free edge

[DinkyPinky]

I'm fairly new to the world of nails so I apologise if this is a stupid question. When it says to seal the free edge when using Shellac does this mean I need to paint across the end of the free edge? I'm assuming not the underside of the free edge? Does anyone else find it difficult to paint along the free edge without getting it on the skin underneath? Do you have to do this with every layer?

 

[Wee Fee]

I'm fairly new to the world of nails so I apologise if this is a stupid question. When it says to seal the free edge when using Shellac does this mean I need to paint across the end of the free edge? I'm assuming not the underside of the free edge? Does anyone else find it difficult to paint along the free edge without getting it on the skin underneath? Do you have to do this with every layer?

Not a stupid question at all Getting this 'sealing the free edge' business straight was one of my first questions when I was first introduced to Shellac.

We are referring to the end of the free edge and not the underside, yes.
And yes, you MUST do this with every layer - base, colour coats and top.

Sealing the free edge like this can be tricky on very short nails, but if you do get a wee bit on the skin don't panic, just be sure to remove it (an orange stick is perfect) before you cure that layer in your CND Lamp.
Having less product on the brush (whether it's Shellac or Colour & Effects) will make coating the tip of the free edge easier and neater too.

Good luck!

 

[geeg]

There is a technique to sealing the free edge just like everything else. The WORST way to seal and the most inefficient, is to do it LAST. Nor should you do it first. The simplest and most efficient way is to do it as a part of each layer that you apply. Working this way means you never get a 'fat' edge at the free edge, which looks horrid.

Place your brush in the centre of the nail. Push back and draw the colour down the left side of the nail and twist and quickly flick across the left side of the free edge. Repeat on the right hand side and then down the middle. Job done. Fast, efficient and effective and best of all ... THIN.

 

[DinkyPinky]

Brilliant, thank you for the explanations. I have just done my own fingernails using the techniques you explained so I will see how they wear as to whether I got it right or not! I think it will be easier on someone elses nails, like most services I guess.

Thanks again x