Burnt Orange Nails: How to Get Even, Rich Orange Coverage

Burnt orange · 6 steps · solid color

Orange gel is often sheer, so the trick is a bright ground and thin, even coats. Build the color in layers and it turns out rich, not streaky.

1. 1

   Prep and prime

   File, buff and wipe the nail, then dehydrate with pH Bond.

   TipA clean nail plate is the foundation of an even color.

2. 2

   Lay a smooth base

   Cure a thin coat of Rubber Base or base coat, capping the free edge.

   TipSmooth base gel gives the color a level surface.

3. 3

   Add a bright ground

   Orange reads deeper over white or a light nude. Apply one thin coat of ground color and cure it fully.

   TipSkip the ground for a softer, more see-through orange.

4. 4

   First color coat

   Pick up a small bead of orange gel. Float the brush across the nail in two or three strokes without pressing, and cap the free edge. Cure. Choose from Chance by Cre8tion Autumn Sunset or Hot Orange detailing gel for accents.

   TipThin coats cure evenly. One thick coat can wrinkle.

5. 5

   Build the depth

   Add a second thin coat, then a third only if you want a deeper rust. Cure each coat fully.

   TipIf you see a thin spot, add a very thin coat rather than pressing harder.

6. 6

   Seal and finish

   Seal with Diamond No Wipe Top Coat for a glossy burnt orange, or Super Matte Top Coat for a velvet pumpkin finish. Cure and finish with cuticle oil.

   TipMatte top shows every bump, so make sure the color is smooth first.

Oranges and rusts

Chance by Cre8tion Autumn Sunset CollectionMSRP from $8.50

Detailing Gel 12 Hot OrangeMSRP $7.50

Cat Eye Soak Off Gel 96MSRP $9.55

Solid Cream Autumn CollectionMSRP $11.95

Super Matte Top Coat No WipeMSRP $7.25

Diamond Soak Off Gel No Wipe Top Coat 0.5ozMSRP $7.25

Prep and finish

Nail Prep PH BondMSRP from $8.25

Rubber Base CoatMSRP from $10.95

Soak Off Gel - Base Coat 0.5ozMSRP $7.25