Craquelure is a unique nail design that has remained a popular trend in recent years. This artistic effect, inspired by antique painting, has seamlessly entered the world of nail industry, becoming a true find for those who want to emphasize style and expressiveness in their manicure.

To create a craquelure design, a special crackling gel polish is used. In this article, we will discuss what craquelure gel polish is, explore the main techniques, and provide step-by-step recommendations to help you create an eye-catching craquelure manicure that highlights the uniqueness of your style.

Let’s first understand what craquelure is and where it came from.

Craquelure (from the French word craquelure, meaning "crack") is a decorative effect created by the appearance of fine cracks on the surface. It can be found on paintings, ceramics, sculptures, and even on manicures. The emergence of craquelure is often associated with the natural aging of materials, where layers of paint or varnish gradually begin to crack over time. This effect creates a special texture and adds a touch of vintage elegance to the item.

The origins of crackle paint go deep into the past. Initially, the cracks were a result of the technical features of painting and the properties of the ground onto which the paints were applied. Over time, the effect became highly valued for its ability to give works of art a unique "weathered" beauty and a sense of history.

Crackle, originally popular in painting, eventually made its way into the world of manicures and turned into a real trend. Today, this style remains relevant, creating an exquisite pattern of "cracks" on the nails. The effect is achieved using special polishes that "shrink" as they dry, forming the characteristic cracked pattern. Some nail polishes dry in the air, while others require the use of a lamp for full drying. A similar result can also be achieved using transfer foil, which adds a unique vintage charm to the manicure.

At first glance, this nail design may seem bold and more suitable for girls with an informal style than for refined ladies. However, crackle is surprisingly versatile due to the ability to combine both bright and pastel shades of gel polishes. It can serve as an original alternative to the classic French manicure or a solid color coating, adding sophistication and expressiveness to the look.

Depending on the size of the cracks on the nails, there are the following types of coatings, each creating a unique effect:

- Spider: thin cracks resembling a web, which is where the effect gets its name (from the English "spider").

- Fence: thicker than spider, forming noticeable gaps between the fragments on the nail's surface.

1. Prepare your nails for the manicure: carefully trim the length and remove the cuticles for a perfect look.

2. Treat the nails with a degreaser and disinfectant.

3.  Apply a base coat for gel polish in a thin layer and cure the nails under a lamp.

4. Use either glossy or matte gel polish for the manicure. You can save product by applying a thin layer without worrying about uneven coverage—the crackle effect will effectively hide any imperfections. Don't forget to cure the nails under the lamp.

5.  Next, use a crackle effect gel polish. It is recommended to apply it in a thin layer, avoiding excess layering for the best result. Let it air dry for 2-3 minutes.

6. Apply a top coat in a thin layer and cure it under the lamp until fully dry. 

Gel polish crackle can be applied in various directions, including vertical, horizontal, and diagonal. This approach allows for the creation of unique textures and patterns, giving the manicure originality and individuality. 

With the CRACK crackle gel polish from Global Fashion, you can create true masterpieces! It is applied just like regular polish and dries in the air in only 2-3 minutes. As it dries, unique cracks form on the surface, making each manicure one-of-a-kind! You can control the thickness and size of the cracks by adjusting the density of the gel polish layer. A thin layer will produce fine cracks, while a thicker layer will create larger ones. This way, you get endless possibilities for creative self-expression!
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Read also: What is a coloured nail base and how to use it correctly? Overview of coloured gel nail polish bases