How to Use Silicone Nail Charm Moulds: Cast Your Own 3D Charms with Kaniu
By Edmond Lin, M1 Nail & Beauty Supply, Markham, Ontario. Last updated 11 October 2026. Mould sizes, markings and materials are read from Kaniu's own product cards.
A silicone nail charm mould is a small, flexible, see-through mould that you fill with thick gel, cure under the lamp and pop out as a finished 3D charm. Because the charm is cast from gel, you choose the colour, you can make as many as you need, and you never run out of one shape halfway through a set. Kaniu (卡妞) makes four of these moulds, mostly crosses, hearts and gothic motifs. Kaniu describes the silicone as soft, foldable, clear and washable.
In this guide
What you need
| Item | What it does |
|---|---|
| Silicone charm mould | Gives the shape. It must be clear so the lamp can cure the gel through it. |
| Thick gel | Solid builder gel, carving gel or thick 3D gel. It has to hold its shape and fill fine detail. |
| Flat tool | Presses the gel in and scrapes the back level. The flat end of the Kaniu silicone stick is made for this. |
| UV/LED lamp | Cures the charm inside the mould. |
| Rhinestone gel or builder gel | Fixes the finished charm to the nail. |
| Top coat | Seals around the base of the charm. |
The four Kaniu charm moulds compared
| Mould | Designs | Size | Marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaniu Charm Mold Cross | Six ornate crosses in three sizes | 5.1 x 3.8 x 1 cm | Marked "FingertipWorker" |
| Kaniu Charm Mold HF889 Kroos Heart | Four ornate crosses sized for one nail each | Not printed on the card | Marked HF-889 |
| Kaniu Charm Mold #1 | Seven columns of small designs: fleur-de-lis, crosses, hearts, medallions, a safety pin and a chain | 7.6 x 5.8 x 1.0 cm | |
| Kaniu Charm Mold Cross (猪猪正版) | A large sheet with seven rows of designs: crosses in many styles, fleur-de-lis, horseshoes, a safety pin and medallions | Not printed on the card | Marked "FingertipWorker", the designer edition (猪猪正版) |
How to cast a charm, step by step
- Fill. Press a small amount of thick gel into the cavity. Push it into the corners first, then top it up until it is level with the surface of the mould.
- Level. Scrape across the top with a flat tool to remove the excess. A level back is what lets the charm sit flat on the nail.
- Cure. Put the whole mould under the UV/LED lamp for the time your gel needs. Thick charms need longer than a normal layer; turn the mould over and cure again from the other side if the piece is deep.
- Release. Bend the mould back and the charm lifts out. Wipe the tacky layer off if your gel leaves one.
- Attach. Put a bead of rhinestone gel or builder gel on the cured nail, set the charm in it, press lightly, and cure. Brush top coat around the base of the charm and cure again.
Which gel works in a mould?
- Solid (non-stick) builder gel is the easiest. It is putty-like, so you press it in with a tool and it does not run.
- Carving gel and 3D gel work the same way and come in strong colours.
- Thin gels, such as regular colour gel or top coat, can be used for a clear or tinted charm, but they need to be dripped in carefully and cured for longer.
- Dark, heavily pigmented gel blocks light. Build deep charms in two thin fills, curing each one.
Common problems and how to fix them
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| The charm is soft or sticky inside | Too thick or too dark for one cure | Fill in two layers, cure each one, and cure once more from the back |
| Detail is missing | Gel did not reach the corners | Press the gel into the corners with a pointed tool before filling the rest |
| Rough rim around the edge | Too much gel left on the mould surface | Scrape the top clean before curing; file the rim off afterwards if needed |
| The charm rocks on the nail | The back is flat but the nail is curved | Seat it in a thicker bead of gel, or cure the charm briefly, release it and bend it gently to the nail before the final cure |
| The charm pops off after a few days | Too little gel under it, or no seal at the base | Use enough gel to grip the edges and run top coat around the base |
Finishing ideas
- Cast in clear gel, then rub chrome powder over the cured charm for a metal look.
- Cast in a pastel colour and match it with ready-made Kaniu Macaron Cross charms on the next nail.
- Paint the raised detail with a contrast colour after casting.
- Use the Kaniu multi-use nipper to lift charms off during removal instead of filing through them.
Frequently asked questions
What gel do you use in a silicone nail charm mould?
A thick gel that holds its shape: solid builder gel, carving gel or 3D gel. Thin gels work for clear charms but need more care and a longer cure.
Can gel cure inside a silicone mould?
Yes, as long as the mould is clear. Kaniu moulds are see-through silicone, so the lamp cures the gel through the mould. Deep or dark charms should be cured from both sides.
How long do you cure a moulded charm?
Longer than a normal layer of the same gel, because the piece is thicker. Follow the cure time on your gel and add a second cure from the back for deep shapes.
How do you clean a silicone nail mould?
Wash it with soap and water and let it dry. Kaniu describes its moulds as washable. Keep acetone away from the silicone and store the mould flat and dust-free.
Can you reuse a silicone charm mould?
Yes. The mould is reusable; one mould makes charms for as many sets as you like.
Which Kaniu mould should I start with?
The Kaniu Charm Mold Cross is the simplest: six crosses in three sizes on a small mould. The Kaniu Charm Mold #1 and the large Kaniu Charm Mold Cross (猪猪正版) add hearts, fleur-de-lis and other motifs for more variety.
Shop Kaniu nail art supplies at M1
Shop KaniuMould details come from Kaniu's product cards. Technique notes are general salon practice; always follow the cure times on the gel you use. Nail stamps, plates and moulds
