What Happens When You Use Nail Polish On Silicon Resin Moulds…

[@carlycharlesworth1497]

I think the lizard with the nail varnish that you painted into the silicon mould came out far nicer. The colours were deeper, but not just that, they were also tidier I think. All the lizards came out well but my personal favourite was the white one that you painted the nail varnish into the mould. I think it is gorgeous and that is a very cheap way to use up old nail varnish. What a clever idea Steve. God bless you and all those you love. Have a great day!

[@candymatek3]

Agreed

[@TektonicDragon]

Painting the mold before pouring makes the colors much more vibrant! Definitely a fan. I love all your videos!

[@CONEHEADDK]

you get the smoooth surface painting the model can't have.

[@michaeltroll8429]

I just wanted to say a big thank you to you and Danial Cooper for showing that guys can enjoy this art too!

[@paulinebradford4823]

The two where you painted the mold before adding the resin are just plain stunning!

[@gymeni]

As a Nail Technician, I found this especially interesting! We also sometimes use some unlikely media for looks and techniques.

[@ChibiChula]

Might be interesting to paint nail polish into small thin molds and then use the dried paint as nail art since it should peel out of the silicone easily and still be flexible without resin backing it....

[@cacklebarnacle15]

Painting in the mold definitely prevents loosing some of the 3D details, since nailpolish can build up a bit, especially if you use brighter colours and need more coats. Painting inside the mold also lets the polish pool inside the details and not run off of them like it happened with the painting on resin method (you can see it on the blue arrows on the lizards back). However, I think you can skip using the resin curer to get the polish to dry properly. Just paint the polish on thinner will help. You'll probably not need more than two thin coats (three if it is a brighter colour) and by the time you are done with the mold the first spots should be dried enough to put on the second coat. To check wether it is ready for the next coat, just tap it with your finger (skin contact is totally okay, since that stuff is made to wear on your body anyways, not protective gear needed like with uncured resin) and if it is dry to the touch and doesn't feel sticky anymore, it is ready.

[@fairygrammy]

I like the one where you used the nail polish before pouring the resin. I agree the colors are so much more vibrant than using the polish afterwards. 🙂

[@maria9293]

The first one you painted in mold was the best 🦎👍 I have used nail polish many times for resin, but never dared to paint with it in a mold. So thank you for showing us that it was perfectly possible to do that 😁💅

[@kali503]

Looks great! I’ve experimented with tinting resin with nail polish, but never painted nail polish directly onto the mold. I learned something new 💖

[@____julia____]

Love it! That black one is especially nice and I can imagine it selling well too. The painting the mould technique is very effective and I like how sharp the design is

[@thepenelopejones]

Absolutely *SMASHING* Steve ~ I'm extra grateful as I have tons of UV Gel Varnish just gathering cobwebs and I was wondering exactly what to do with them.. . . so _brilliant_ Your gecko is definitely 💯👍👍

[@bellnorton1691]

Beautifully executed, the in mold one has a better glossy finish. They all look great.

[@cycy2425]

Ooo! New hobby! The one painted on the mold is much cleaner and looks easier. Terrific video.

[@robandhisresin13]

I’ve got this mold and I’ve used the feathering technique, the Petri dish effect and piped the white similar to the 3D blooms and the results were fantastic. I’ve also used mica powders but they weren’t as nice so I might have to try the nail polish. Great results by the way.

[@fairyspunfibers9098]

Oh, WOW! I can't believe the difference it makes, painting inside the mold versus painting the finished product! I honestly didn't expect to see any difference. Definitely, painting the mold first makes for a brighter, smoother, better look. The black one is gorgeous!

[@Brandywine6969]

Those would make great refrigerator magnets too. I love that black one, especially.

[@mlfett6307]

Looks great! Thanks for test driving the techniques for us - always enjoying your experimentation!

[@LisaWyattArtMyBestMedicine]

The mold painted one looks more vibrant, great test Steve!

[@poppletop8331]

I love the black lizard, imagine doing that with a dragon one. Thanks for sharing.🦎

[@nancyhatcher3320]

Wow, who would have thought the nail polish painted in the mold would come out so beautifully. Oh my goodness, just what I needed - another project - but I just might have to take this to the top to try. Thank you for all your ideas, I've really learned a lot from your videos!

[@gryphenicedancer8796]

I watched this as a YT recommendation. I am now a new subscriber. I really like the think-outside-the-box creativity.

[@LisaVornhagen]

That is so cool! I love how they turned out, especially the black one! I am definitely going to do this!

[@AmberFaithYou]

This video actually answers so many questions for me. And I love your little lizards! They're beautiful!

[@MusketeerGweneth]

The black one is my favorite! I want it! 😍❤

[@lindafrier26]

Fantastic 🦎, I really like the black one.😊Painting on the mold is the better choice 👍🏼

[@macaddams1030]

I think the one you painted the mold turned out better, I love them and now I gotta go dig up all my old nail polish

[@ginalombardi2507]

Loved them all. I was thinking how they would turn out using the marble and metal “Dusts” you have tucked away in your supplies.

[@lonnibaird8018]

Those are pretty! I didn't know you can use nail polish in silicone molds. Thank you for sharing!

[@MrsLisaCrow]

One of my first and best resin projects was a layered galaxy tray I made using nail polish, markers, and found objects like candy foils.

[@dhowell9000]

Stick a magnet or two in there before it’s cured so you could hang it on the fridge!! Those are phenomenal!!!

[@kasie680]

Cool Stevie! This would be so cool in your Egyptian moulds with golds and Royal blue/imperial purple, teals and black and the resin color being clear with sand added!!! 💥

[@spiritualkicksrt]

Oh, my! I loved the black one the best! Fabulous! And I LOVE LIZARDS!

[@genettejennings5537]

I like the one you painted onto the mold best. I always paint my molds first.

[@IndiaBradyArt]

YAY!! Now I know what I can do with my old fingernail polish. Thanks Steve.

[@debbrady497]

Gorgeous Work! Steve, you give us the most Down to earth information! You amaze me on a Daily Basis ❤️

[@tammytoth5874]

I like the ones you painted the mold. The colors stand out perfectly. LOVE the black lizard best!!

[@tendoqueen9692]

Whoaaaaa, that is incredible! Thank you so much for trying this!!

[@ctempleman1401]

My favourite was the black lizard. The ones were you painted the mould looked the best.

[@fiddlesticksgalore]

Hi Steve 😊. I start every day with one of your videos. 🎉🎉. I learn something new everyday and I crack up laughing at your silliness ( it’s great). The fact that you show us your fails and your successes,,,, well, that makes it real for all of us. Sending you big thank you’s and hugs.

[@SteveMcDonaldArtsandCrafts]

Thank you so much, that means a lot to me and thank you for your support. I agree it is really important to show when things don't work out and that happens often. If not I would be giving people unrealistic expectations and it may put them off the craft. I tried to be serious when I first started, but it just isn't me lol.

[@lesliehenderson5288]

I collect and use nail varnish as cheap paint for crafts… I also have some epoxy resin… Thanks for the idea!!!!

[@Wonderkell74]

Ooooh the black one is lovely!

[@angelmorris2130]

I really like the black one. You done really well with the colors also.

[@Becka.M-D]

I love the black one & the one next to it which I think was the one where you painted the mould with nail varnish, allowed it to fully dry before pouring the resin on top. The one on the far right looks good, but it doesn’t seem to have the cleaner finish to it. Another great video Steve. I look forward to giving this a try myself

[@rkhnd51]

Oooo. I love the black one. Very interesting. Enjoying your experiments!

[@barbarafidler910]

really crafty; looks awesome! The one on the left; the black one I like the best.

[@robinsnestartistry.812]

So nice. Love the nail polish experiment. Really like the black lizard.

[@kandacehead9544]

I like the black lizard the best, as the colors pop out more. 🦎

[@LWJCarroll]

Fyi its really relaxing watching you working! Thanks Laurie. NZ. 😊

[@turquoisewitch.wild-owl]

That came out great, more on the one painted on the silicone first!

[@cbwinzenreid7861]

These turned out amazing. Your choice of silicone mold was spot on. Great job!

[@yanapritchard4797]

WOW I have soo many nail varnishes so i'm happy, love the black one

[@dawncoleman470]

Loved the ones painted into the mould first, so vibrant. Great experiment 👍

[@DorianneDelageArt]

Thank you very much for this experiment ! The one you paint the mold is really better for me 😊💙💙

[@candigates3291]

Love, love , love it. The blk 1 is my fave. Thank you for sharing .

[@angelortega7708]

Those turned out beautiful I like the one with the nails varnish painting in the mold!! I’m gonna try that on some Christmas ornaments that I’m trying to do that are really fine detail and see if that helps me. Thanks for sharing!!

[@jraxreviewsxcosplayxmore6934]

I love the one you painted the mould first. Absolutely gorgeous colour choices! I’d love one

[@Mariethechaotic]

Thank you for trying this, Steve! I've been wanting to but just haven't found the time! Love love love the black one!

[@deblepley7755]

Great experiment. Thanks. I tried my first project today 😊. I have to practice practice practice. But I’m encouraged from watching your videos ❣️

[@glanni]

I was so surprised that the one where you paitned the mould came out so much better, just how? 😯

[@maladylis08]

Such a beautiful mold and love it when you painted the mold best. I would hang it on my wall !

[@kimberlyweaver8886]

This is the first time me watching your video and it is very informative i loved it . Also i love the one that you paint it and then add the epoxy to it absolutely gorgeous thank you for sharing this wonderful idea.

[@dianesullivan5459]

I like the one that you painted on the mold the best.

[@elizabethdeakin4710]

Ooh love them.. thank you :)… I like the one u added varnish to the mould b4 the resin.. looking forward to the next thing u do n congratulations on the 1M hits ❤

[@ladybrite4116]

Love this, now I have another good reason to go to the Dollar Store. Your videos always teach me something useful can't wait to use this process on some molds :)

[@hollyfalk1753]

Thank for trying the nail polish in the mold I've been wondering if the enamel would eat the silicone.

[@Woekkie]

tbh the nailpolish that dries with a lamp is available fairly cheap some are less than 1 euro a bottle

[@dreyhawk]

I think the one where you painted in the mold came out both neater and brighter.

[@catsanchez5749]

So much FUN. Fabulous idea to paint inside the mold. I’m new to resin, your videos are FABULOUS ❤ Of course I subscribed😊 Thank you for sharing your knowledge and creativity 😃❤️cat x

[@barbjalcorn]

Wow! I do nails using the method you mentioned being gel polish and curing it under my uv/led light, and of coarse I knew that gel would work. The nail polish I really thought would peel off and still could do so. I feel that want to suggest sealing it, at least with a spray, for this reason. Great job, great experiment 🇦🇺❤️

[@Deborah-en9gp]

I find this exciting not Only is it a versital way of coloring resin mode? It is an East expensive in the skies. No limits between the glitter nail polish and the duller. Nail polishers more dull finishes, it's a wonderful idea. Glad I decided to question its use can't wait to try it.

[@shirleymoody5713]

I saw this on Facebook and I love it

[@nanapaula1031]

What is handy is buying a gel top coat dries under the lamp in a couple of mins that be good for you very cheap to buy as well Love the lizards you could put them outside on rocks x

[@montialarson]

Duuuuudddeeee! I have nail polish that I don't use. This is such a good idea!

[@TheBaumcm]

I’m guessing that the layer you painted into the mold was slightly thicker since the mold contained it and therefore the color was richer and tidier, making it look nicer

[@pamperedpandacrafts2666]

I have SO much nail polish, brilliant idea! I wonder would gel polish work the same?

[@tanyacalvin9080]

Omgosh the Black one is just so cute yeah I like the white ones but the black one stands out so much better I think an as always you do a great job....thank you so much for all the videos you make .... Have a Great Day 😀

[@richardbriansmith8562]

Awesome Video steve McDonald also I can not say which is the best as i like them both steve McDonald

[@EKA201-j7f]

Wow! They look great, of course the one where you did it inside the mold will be smoother and painting it on afterward would have a bit more "character". Very nice both ways.

[@vincentender1486]

Depends on the polish itself for adding layers, I've got a black that is thick so it only needs one layer, and an iridescent gray that shimmers with green, pink, and gold that needs more layers to pop if only using it on my nails. Using a layer of black beforehand works wonders. Then of course a layer of clear topcoat.

[@knitsewfancy]

Have you ever tried the glasses that enable color blind people to see colors? Would that be an aid in your crafting? I don't really know much about them, but I wondered if it might be a game changer for you.

[@charlenelesher1198]

Hey Steve, I do have a lot of nail polish as well as old acrylic paints. I was worried about using it in my molds because I wasn't sure if it would stain the mold or ruin the piece. I will most certainly give this a try now. Thank you for all your creative ideas!!!💙

[@Call-me-Al]

If you are worried about staining, then use a clear coat first (let it dry thoroughly) before applying the color polish. It works the same way on nails: staining of nails can be avoided by a good protective coat before applying any color.

[@k.l.manring2083]

Lovin the lizards! I have a Murphy's patternless leopard gecko and several cresteds!

[@ggyytgcvc]

These would be so cool to hang on a wall with a black light on it, so when you turn it on it could like, kind of be a secret decoration

[@christinaperson1168]

Great video! Love all of them! Thank you Steve 😊!!!

[@craftsartsandstuffs9097]

Love them! Enjoy you and your videos Steve!

[@helentee9863]

Love the black lizerad ! I was just about to suggest you try colouring the resin something like black when it came up 😁 You might try a different colour, such as a dark green,with one colour of nail polish (maybe red ?). It could look really alive 😍

[@malamakaualani2263]

They are beautiful 😍 I think I found me a newer hobby

[@kellyfloyd9261]

I love the dark one!

[@Mark1971-1]

Hi Steve fantastic video as always and I have just signed up to your website 😊

[@Tiger804]

Hi Steve,,, I have a flat mould like the one you used with the nail varnish but a sea horse,, not got the chance to use it yet,, but this idea is totally awesome,,, it works good both ways,, paining inside the mould is a great idea,, and can always go for a more vibrant color by going around again once the varnish is dry,, the white backround its beautiful,, but I have to go with the black one,, as the colors stand out more,, just imagine using glitter nail varnish in differant colors too, that would realy look nice! Have a great week and stay safe.🦎

[@doglover8596]

One word: WOWSERS.

[@katieryan3589]

Absolute legend, love this technique ❤

[@joannrice8359]

Hi, Great video. Thank you for the ideas. You are awesome.

[@katherinebourke171]

I absolutely LOVE these...especially the black one. Thank you for sharing this and inspiring me. I'm definitely going to use this technique. Thank you Mike, you're an awesome and AMAZING person...🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@zombinaagogo]

This technique is called back painting, it can be applied with many different applications like resins, candy making, and make up effects. The back painted ones look way better, I knew they would.. lol. They are all super cool looking Not sure if I like the white resin or black better, I like them together, feel like they complement each other like a yin and yang symbol. I learned this process in 2007 while in college for prosthetic make up applications. I'm an Industrial Design/Special Effects grad, for people who don't know what that entails it's a design and fabrication degree including things like machining, wood working, animatronics, mold making, make-up effects, the kind of stuff you would see behind the scenes of TV, movies, and theater.

[@dollybrown1993]

Wow they're all beautiful love the black one. My husband says thank you for the nail polish ideas!! 🤬😡 because thanks to you I've now been buying all the cheap polish I can find (even at yard sales). I'm m not sorry for the idea though.... NOW I JUST HAVE TO GET HIM INVOLVED WITH THE PAINTING. Stay safe, you do you, and stay crafty 👍👍🔔🛎️🦋🦋💟💟

[@delabud8978]

Brilliant! Will the nail polish chip off easily if handled?

[@spocksvulcanbrain]

Painting on the mold came out demonstrably better.

[@CJMohommed]

Beautiful technique. Love your videos Dr. Steve.

[@susanwolf7703]

so love how you experiment.