Silver Chrome Nails: How to Get a True Mirror Finish

Silver chrome · 6 steps · no lamp for the powder

Silver chrome is the classic mirror. A dark ground gives the deepest reflection, and a fully cured top coat gives the smoothest shine.

1. 1

   Base coat

   File, buff and wipe the nail, dehydrate with pH Bond, then apply and cure a quality base coat.

   TipChrome shows every flaw. Smooth the nail first.

2. 2

   Color underneath

   Apply and cure the gel color you want under the chrome. Super Black gives the deepest mirror. A white or nude ground gives a lighter silver.

   TipCure the color fully so the powder rides on a firm surface.

3. 3

   Top coat

   Apply a smooth non-cleansing top coat, such as Diamond No Wipe, and cure it.

   TipA fully cured, no wipe top coat is the surface for every chrome finish.

4. 4

   Pat on the pigment

   Pick up a very small amount of 05 Silver, 20 Super Silver or 01 Silver Hologram A on a sponge or silicone applicator. Pat it onto the cured top coat. No lamp for this step.

   TipOne or two passes is usually enough.

5. 5

   Seal it

   Brush Chrome Top over the powder and cure.

   TipChrome Top is made to seal chrome, mirror and pigment powders.

6. 6

   Finish with shine

   Add a final glossy no wipe top coat if you want extra shine, cure, and finish with cuticle oil.

   TipThin top coats keep the mirror crisp.

Silver chromes and the finish

Chrome Effect 05 SilverMSRP $15.50

Chrome Effect 20 Super SilverMSRP $15.50

Chrome Effect 01 Silver Hologram AMSRP $14.25

Chrome Effect 21 Silver BlackMSRP $15.50

Chrome Base Natural BlackMSRP $10.95

Chrome TopMSRP $10.95