Magnetic Polish How-to: ANTENNAE IN THE SKIMMER BASKET
By Death Valley Nails | Published: 2026-11-05
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to apply ANTENNAE IN THE SKIMMER BASKET magnetic polish for a defined cat-eye effect, with step-by-step magnet technique and common mistakes to avoid.
Quick answer
Apply a base coat, then one or two coats of ANTENNAE IN THE SKIMMER BASKET for base opacity. For the final coat, work one finger at a time: immediately hover a neodymium magnet right above the wet polish for 5–10 seconds, then finish with a top coat.
Why one finger at a time matters
Magnetic polish only reacts while it is wet. If you paint all five nails and then reach for the magnet, the first nails will have started to dry and the magnetic particles will not move into a defined pattern. Working one finger at a time keeps the polish fluid enough to respond, so the cat-eye line stays crisp instead of blurring.
Magnet distance and timing
Hover the magnet right above the wet polish—close but not touching—for 5–10 seconds. Holding it too far away weakens the effect; holding it too long or moving it can pull the pattern apart. A steady hand for the full count gives the cleanest result.
Base opacity vs. magnetic coat
The product instructions suggest using a base coat and 2–3 coats of polish followed by a top coat. For magnetic shades, apply 1–2 coats for base opacity first, then use the final coat for the magnet step. This layering gives the color depth without muddying the magnetic effect.
Step-by-step magnet application
- Start with a base coat: Apply one thin layer of base coat to all nails and let it dry completely. This protects the nail and helps the polish adhere. Skipping base coat can cause staining and uneven magnetic reaction.
- Apply 1–2 coats for base opacity: Paint one or two coats of ANTENNAE IN THE SKIMMER BASKET over the base, letting each coat dry slightly. These coats build the blue-grey color without the magnet. Do not try to magnetize these early coats; they are for color depth only.
- Apply the final coat one finger at a time: Paint a single nail with the final coat. Immediately hover a neodymium magnet right above the wet polish for 5–10 seconds. Move to the next nail only after the previous one is done. If you paint multiple nails before using the magnet, the polish will dry and the pattern will not form.
- Hold the magnet steady and close: Keep the magnet parallel to the nail and as close as possible without touching. Count to 5–10 slowly. Do not wiggle or lift the magnet during the count. A shaky or distant magnet creates a weak, blurry cat-eye instead of a sharp line.
- Finish with a top coat: After magnetizing all nails, apply a clear top coat to seal the design. Let it dry fully before washing hands or doing tasks. Top coat also helps protect the magnetic pattern from fading.
Product facts
- ANTENNAE IN THE SKIMMER BASKET (magnetic) (Wholesale): Hairy blue-grey with a silver magnetic pull; 10-free, vegan, cruelty-free, and nontoxic. The blue-grey base with silver pull means the magnetic pattern shows as a bright silver line against a muted background, so magnet placement directly controls where the highlight sits.
ANTENNAE IN THE SKIMMER BASKET (magnetic) (Wholesale)
