How to Use a Mini Painting Pallet for Gel Nail Art

Quick answer

Use the Mini Painting Pallet as a dedicated mixing surface for gel polishes to keep your workspace tidy and extend the life of your gels.

How to use the Mini Painting Pallet for gel nail art

1. 1. Prep the palette: Wipe the Mini Painting Pallet with a lint-free wipe soaked in isopropyl alcohol to remove dust and oils. Let it air dry completely. Skipping this step can cause gel to bead up or not cure properly.
2. 2. Dispense gel polish: Squeeze a small drop of each gel color you plan to use into separate wells of the palette. Use a dotting tool or brush to transfer the gel, not the bottle tip, to avoid cross-contamination. Only dispense what you will use in one session—gel cures under UV light and will harden on the palette.
3. 3. Mix custom colors: Use a clean silicone brush or palette knife to blend two or more gel drops together directly on the palette. Work in small amounts to avoid waste. Add dark colors to light ones gradually; too much pigment can make the gel opaque and hard to apply.
4. 4. Apply gel to the nail: Dip your art brush into the mixed or single color on the palette, then paint your design. Wipe the brush on a lint-free cloth between colors to keep them clean. If the gel starts to thicken on the palette, add a tiny drop of gel thinner, not acetone.
5. 5. Cure and clean: Cure the gel design under your UV/LED lamp as usual. After finishing, wipe the palette with alcohol and a lint-free pad. Store it in a clean, dry place. Leftover gel that has cured on the palette can be peeled off; uncured gel can be wiped away with alcohol.

Product facts

• Mini Painting Pallet (Empty): The Mini Painting Pallet (Empty) from La Catrina Nails is a compact, empty paint pallet case designed for organizing and holding small amounts of product. Its empty design lets you add your own gel polishes, so you can mix custom colors without contaminating the original bottles.