Working with Metro Metals (or similar) - advice anyone?

['chelle]

Hi

I recently qualified with Creative (l&p), and up to now have only used the "perfect" powders (ie perfect pink, white, clear). I recently bought some metro metals and had a bit of a play with them on the weekend, and they dont behave in the same way as the "perfect" acrylics do. The black and white glitters are very similar in consistency (sorry cant recall the actual names off the top of my head), but the more glittery ones are very thin. I've left the brush in the powder for the same amount of time it takes to get a medium wet bead with the standard acrylics, and its very runny, almost as runny as an enamel.

Anyway, I did a full set on my friend, using the black on zone 1 and the grey glitter on zones 2/3. I started filing as with a normal set, and the glittery finish filed away. I buffed and applied a topcoat which restored it slightly but not back to its former glory!

I've tried to do some internet research and havent found any definite answers, except a suggestion that you apply the glitter acrylics wetter than standard acrylic, then apply clear acrylic over the top, and file and buff the clear down, leaving the sparkle of the glitter acrylic to shine through.

Is this correct? Can anyone offer any advice? I'm going to try another set on a friend later this week, and Im goiing to do a skill building course, but would be interested to see what you fellow geeks can advise in the meantime.

Thanks!!

 

[wg19]

Yes, always apply your glitter acrylics quite thin so that it can be capped with clear. Doing this ensures that when you are filing & buffing your nail to finish you are not buffing away any glitter.

As for applying it wetter, well you don't want it too wet or it will be sliding all over the shop & you not be able to control your product properly. Have a bit of a play & get a feel for it, you will soon find your way with a bit more practice. The most important thing is thin application so that when you cap with clear you do not end up with a bulky nail.

Good luck!

 

[izzidoll]

Most glitter powders need to be capped in clear.
As regards the mix ratio with CND it is the same as their pigmented/colour powders, and the bead appearence should be the same as a white bead..i.e. like orange peel.

EzFlow glitter powders you work a little wetter, but you still have great control of the bead, possibly that is what you have got confused with.

Always best to speak to your Distributor/Trainer re these things and find out what is the best way for YOUR product.
Another reason why buying from your authorised distributor is the best way....when they can give you technical advice as and when you need it. (sorry I couldn't resist that!!!).

 

[Classy Claws]

Metro powders do not need to be capped... and you must work with them VERY dry, as you have already found out by using the standard CND P&W ratio the metro beads are extreamly wet.. you need to use them with practically NO monomer in your brush, give it a good wipe on the side of your dish to drain out most of it.. and only dip the flags cuz the brush will pick it up VERY fast.

 

[Lucy-Jayne]

My experience with Metro powders is the same as Classy Claws. I too have never had to capp them in clear.

 

[PeepPaws]

Metro powders do not need to be capped... and you must work with them VERY dry, as you have already found out by using the standard CND P&W ratio the metro beads are extreamly wet.. you need to use them with practically NO monomer in your brush, give it a good wipe on the side of your dish to drain out most of it.. and only dip the flags cuz the brush will pick it up VERY fast.

I was wondering myself then as I have been playing with my Metro's and nothing was said about capping them in the clear. Mine turned out ok considering it was my first attempt. Loads more practise needed though!! lol
Image of first play at metro's ever & on myself!! - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

 

[NoLimitNails]

Yes work very dry (I use to do that with ez-flows aswell)

But a technician here in denmark mixed the metro powders with clear (think 1/2 and 1/2 but not sure) and she states thart they are so easy to buff t a high shine without loosing the glitter.

I have not tried it myself yet, but will be soon as it saves the usually "capping in clear"time, and you know time is money:green:

HTH
:hug:
Karen

 

[Classy Claws]

with metro its practically impossible to buff off the glitter bits.. because the glitter in metro is SUPER SUPER FINE I mean SUPER FINE.. unlike your standard glitter mixes, metros also have coloured pigment powder in them meaning your glitter (even thou its super fine anyway) to powder ratio is MUCH lower than the standard 4:1 mix with standard glitters... if you get the ratio (Liquid to powder) correct the buff up brilliantly smooth and shine up like glass.

Peep I love that look (black with white) and its a common one I use on my own nails..