Thermal varnishes – how to choose and use

Adding a dynamic touch to your manicure can be creative and enjoyable with thermal varnishes. These unique nail polishes offer an ever-changing, one-of-a-kind look that can change throughout the day by changing color in response to temperature.

It’s crucial to take into account aspects like color transitions, durability, and ease of application when selecting a thermal varnish. Finding the ideal match for your style can be made easier by knowing what to look for because not all thermal varnishes are created equal.

Although applying thermal varnish is easy, there are a few pointers to make sure you achieve the best results. Following these guidelines will help you achieve a gorgeous, long-lasting manicure that blends in with your surroundings, from proper nail preparation to the right application techniques.

Aspect	Description
Choosing the Right Shade	Pick colors that suit your skin tone and match the effect you want, from subtle to dramatic transitions.
Application Tips	Apply thin layers and use a base coat for smooth, long-lasting results.
Heat Sensitivity	Thermal varnishes change color with temperature, so test in warm and cool conditions to see the full effect.
Durability	These varnishes can last for days, but top coat protection helps prevent chipping.
Removal Process	Use regular nail polish remover, but be gentle to avoid damaging your nails.

What is thermal varnish and how does it work

Thermal varnish is a type of decorative varnish coating for nails that varies in color based on environmental factors and body temperature.

Heat-sensitive particles in the composition are what cause the pigment’s color to change. On the nail plates, a gradient with a smooth transition emerges in response to temperature changes. Since the temperature is always lower on the free edge—where the nail tip is not in contact with the skin—the largest color change is seen there. Thermal varnishes include:

• two-color – the color changes within two colors, for example from white to blue;
• three-color – the temperature changes the pigment based on three basic shades.

Furthermore, there is a thermal effect to both gel varnishes that polymerize under UV or LED light and regular varnishes that do not need to be dried in a UV lamp.

Thermal varnishes with an additional effect

An extra kind of decoration in addition to the primary one is called an additional effect. Apart from the heat-induced effect, varnishes and gel varnishes can also be

• with glitter;
• with a cat"s eye effect;
• with a craquelure effect;
• neon.

The primary drawback of thermal varnish is its restricted range of applications. The truth is that it visually shortens the nails even more when applied to short nails because it does not look laconic enough. The thermal effect, which produces a two- or three-color coating with seamless transitions, is visible on long nails.

A fun and interesting way to style your nails is with thermal varnishes, which are special nail polishes that change color in response to temperature changes. Choosing the best one requires taking durability, application ease, and color transition into account. To ensure the best results and long-lasting wear, using them effectively requires understanding the effects of temperature, properly prepping the nails, and adhering to application instructions.

Important information about thermal varnishes

• buy thermal varnishes from trusted brands. In this case, production and a reliable formula affect not only the condition of the nails, but also the effect. There were cases when the product declared by the manufacturer, as a thermal varnish, did not appear on the nails at all, remaining uniform at any temperature. To make your choice easier, we will consider the best brands of thermal varnishes below;
• when choosing a color, focus not only on the thermal effect, but also on the base shade. A spectacular gradient pattern will not decorate your nails throughout the day, so you should also like the main tone of the varnish;
• the thermal effect can manifest itself longer with a large coating thickness. Base, three layers of thermal varnish, and two more layers of top on top – all this creates a very serious overall thickness. In this case, the thermal varnish can show its properties a little longer, since the dropped temperature will “reach” the active particles a little longer;
• to get a rich and dense color, you can apply thermal varnish in several layers. At the same time, nail artists do not recommend doing more than 3 layers, since a deterioration in the gradient pattern is noticeable;
• after applying and drying the varnish with a thermal effect, avoid contact with water for one to two hours, even to see the result. It takes about an hour to fix and adapt the thermal varnish;
• thermal varnish loses its properties faster than other nail dyes. We are talking about the paint that is in the bottle. It is recommended to store the varnish for no more than a year, while the bottle should be in a dark place at room temperature;
• varnishes with a thermal effect are most popular in the cold season – in autumn and winter, since the temperature difference between the room and the street is most noticeable.

Step-by-step application instructions

To produce a unique design, you’ll need:

• gel polish with a thermal effect from your favorite brand – El Corazone, Kodi, TNL;
• a manicure set – a file, nippers and a buff or a milling cutter for hardware manicure;
• base and top, preferably of the same brand as the thermal varnish;
• degreaser.

To make your manicure even more unique, you can also add stickers, rhinestones, glitter, or a stamping kit:

1. Do a manicure – hardware with a milling cutter or classic and polish the nail plate with a buff. Do not overdo it – you only need to remove the shiny layer;
2. Degrease the surface of the nail and let the degreaser evaporate;
3. Apply a thin layer of base coat;
4. Place your hand in the lamp and dry. In LED – 30-60 sec, in UV – 120 sec;
5. Apply a thin layer of thermal gel polish to the dried base and dry it in the lamp. Please note that the color of the coating may not change during application. It all depends on the temperature of the room and hands;
6. After the color layer has completely dried, cover the design with the finish, drying it thoroughly.

Before applying the top coat, add any additional design elements you intend to use, such as glitter, stamping patterns, or rhinestones, after the color has dried.

Try to stay out of the water for one to two hours after using thermal gel polish to complete your manicure.

Repeat all of the above steps to create a thermal manicure with regular varnish, making sure to use a base coat and fixing coat to prolong the wear period.

Thermal varnish does not change color

• The most common reason is poor quality varnish. At the same time, there is no point in talking about the shortcomings of the product if the color change did occur, but did not meet your expectations in terms of saturation. If the color has not changed at all, there is regular varnish in the bottle;
• perhaps the necessary conditions for the reaction of thermal particles were not created. The reaction occurs with a noticeable temperature fluctuation – immersion in cold water, going outside;
• the coating has not fixed. For the most part, this applies to regular varnishes that dry in the open air. Wait 1-2 hours for all layers of varnish to dry well and the effect will definitely appear.

The best thermal varnishes without drying in a lamp

As previously stated, the stores sell standard varnishes that dry without the need of a lamp because of the solvents’ evaporation.

Masura

Thermal varnishes with a classic design and an added glitter effect are available from the professional brand Masura. Despite the limited range of colors, you can still select a shade that appeals to you.

• №1237. A brownish shade, which changes to a transparent flesh-colored when the temperature changes;
• №1236. The main color is purple. When the thermal effect is activated, it turns into a soft lilac, also with slight transparency;
• №1138. A rich violet with glitter changes to lilac, creating a smooth translucent transition.

Dense thermal varnishes are included in the Masura palette.

• №1215. The main color is ultraviolet, that is, a rich violet. Turns into lilac. Holographic glitter is also added to the polish;
• №1223. Dense blue varnish with glitter, changing to a soft blue at high temperature;
• №1123. Dense varnish without glitter of a grayish shade. When the temperature drops, it darkens to granite.

Masura thermal varnishes can be removed using a standard nail polish remover and don’t need to be dried under a lamp. The varnish lasts up to a week when using a base coat and fixer of the same brand, which is a great sign for a varnish.

El Corazon

The company sells a range of 24 thermal varnishes in its Kaleidoscope line, some of which are heavily glittered. There are four thermal varnishes with a craquelure effect included in this number.

Glitter-coated shades:

• №t-03. Pinkish beige changing to rich pink;
• №t-08. Already rich raspberry color becomes bright red, reacting to the decrease in temperature.

Traditional glossy:

• №t-21. White dense varnish with a transition to grayish-blue;
• №t-23. Peach with a barely noticeable transition to brownish.

Thermocrack:

• №tk-01. Delicate lilac with a temperature reaction in the form of a transition to pinkish-purple and a craquelure effect;
• №tk-04. From rich pink to purple with a craquelure effect.

El Corazon cautions that because natural and extended nails exchange heat differently, the color may vary slightly. Applying the polish in three layers is advised to produce the densest possible coating.

The best thermal gel polishes

RuNail Thermo №2951

When the temperature drops, bright lemon-colored gel polish turns a rich green. Removable after 15 minutes of soaking with a remover.

Cymerization is done in a lamp: in an LED lamp, it takes 30 to 60 seconds, depending on the device’s power; in a UV lamp, it takes at least 36 W of power for 120 seconds.

TNL Thermo №06

TNL gel polish has color shifts within a single hue. Nails are painted neon orange at constant temperature; when temperatures fluctuate, they partially take on a carrot-orange hue.

TNL Thermo №48

Small sapphire glitter in gel polish. changes to lilac. applies thickly, preventing transparency from forming as the gradient emerges. All gel polishes require a 120-second drying time in the UV and 30–60 seconds in the LED.

Kodi №617

Applying the professional brand Kodi’s purple-raspberry gel polish is simple; the first coat will cover the nail plate thickly without creating stripes. The brand’s palette has more than 20 different combination options in addition to shade 617.

Patrisa Nail №KT-4

Gel polish with a beige and greenish-brown color scheme that creates a soothing cat’s eye effect. The brand’s collection comprises five additional color combinations in the following shades: pink, orange, blue, green, and red, in addition to the one mentioned.

BOW – Wind of Change

Thermogel polish in three colors. It turns the nail plate a rich purple when cold, a purple-pink hue when it’s warm, and a delicate blue when it’s warm. The dense texture of the gel polish prevents it from spreading or leaving streaks. Little glitters are added to the gel polish in addition to the three-color thermal effect.

Since they evoke a sense of true magic, thermal nail polishes that change color have been popular for a number of years. I applied heat polishes. Post your thoughts in the comments section!

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A creative and enjoyable way to give your manicure some flair is with thermal varnishes. Your nails can stand out thanks to the dynamic, color-changing effect they produce in response to temperature changes. When selecting a thermal varnish, take into account the polish’s quality, its ability to adjust to changes in temperature, and the color combinations that work best for you.

Although applying thermal varnish is easy, pay close attention to the instructions for optimal results. To prolong the life of your manicure, start with clean, well-prepared nails, apply a base coat, apply the thermal polish in thin layers, and finish with a top coat. Recall that the secret to the magic of thermal varnish is its transformational properties. Experiment with various temperatures to observe the effects on color.

You can create eye-catching nail designs that are visually striking and constantly changing by selecting the appropriate thermal varnish and applying it correctly. Thermal varnishes provide countless opportunities for artistic expression, regardless of whether you’re going for a dramatic makeover or a subtle adjustment.

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