3D sculpture gel is a thick, non-flowing gel that holds its shape, so you can sculpt raised flowers, bows and relief on the nail before curing it under a UV/LED lamp. M1 Nail & Beauty Supply stocks clear and coloured 3D gels, fine carving gels and solid gels that also hold stones, from DND, Cre8tion, ONME, The GelBottle, IBD, YHH, Baoshiman and MNBS.
Types of 3D gel
| Type | Best for | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Clear sculpting gel | Clear raised designs and the body of encapsulated 3D work. | ONME Non-Sticky Sculpting Gel Clear 20g, The GelBottle 3D Studio Gel Clear, Cre8tion 3D Gummy Gel 1oz Clear |
| Coloured 3D and carving gel | Opaque white, black and metallic flowers, petals and relief. | DND 3D Gel 15g (White, Silver, Black, Gold), Cre8tion 3D Gummy Gel 0.26oz (Black, White), YHH Carved Gel White 10g, Baoshiman Carved & Transform Gel White |
| Fine carving and embossing gel | Small, detailed relief and line work in black, white or several colours. | Maiya Carving Gel 5g, Maiya Embossed Glue 5ml, Beshyne Carving Gel Set (6 colors) |
| Solid gel that also holds stones | Setting rhinestones and charms and building clear 3D around them; some also attach tips. | DND 3D Gel / Rhinestone Glue Clear 30g, IBD Solid Gel Adhesive Clear 0.5 oz, DND Do It All Solid Nail Gel 60g |
How to choose a 3D gel
- Clear or coloured. Clear gel shows what is underneath and suits encapsulated work; white and black gels give crisp, opaque flowers.
- One jar, two jobs. DND 3D Gel / Rhinestone Glue and IBD Solid Gel both hold stones and sculpt clear 3D, so a small art kit can start with one of them.
- Check the finish. The GelBottle 3D Studio Gel needs no wipe or top coat after curing; for other 3D gels, follow the label for sealing.
- Build in stages. Sculpt one element, flash-cure it, then add the next, so earlier petals keep their edge.
Related: Adhesive gel, Charms & rhinestones, Nail art tools, Builder gel, All nail art
3D gel FAQ
What is the difference between 3D gel and builder gel?
Builder gel self-levels into a smooth layer that adds strength or length to the whole nail. 3D gel is much thicker and does not level, so it keeps the shape you sculpt for raised art. Use builder gel for structure and 3D gel for the decoration on top.
How do I stop 3D gel flowers from losing their shape?
Work small. Place one petal or element, shape it with a clean tool or brush, and flash-cure it before you start the next one. Wipe your tools often so they do not drag the gel, keep each element thin enough to cure through, and give the finished design a full cure.
Can I use 3D gel to stick on rhinestones and charms?
Some 3D gels can. DND 3D Gel / Rhinestone Glue is sold as a 2-in-1 for holding charms and gems and sculpting clear 3D, and the IBD Solid Gel box lists tip application, 3D art and moulding. For heavy charms, use a gel made for adhesion and cure it fully.
Order online for in-store pickup at our Markham, Ontario store, usually ready in 2 to 4 hours, or have your order shipped anywhere in Canada.